The question of police presence in Tollesbury, a built-up area within Maldon, is understandably important for residents. While the level of visible police patrols can fluctuate, understanding response times and overall crime statistics provides a more complete picture.
Tollesbury exhibits a significantly lower crime rate than the national average. With a crime rate of 13.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, it stands in stark contrast to the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This low crime rate contributes to a very high safety score of 96 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests a generally safe environment for residents.
However, understanding police response times is equally vital. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 15 minutes. This represents the time it takes for police to respond to urgent situations requiring immediate intervention. Crucially, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, averaging 259 minutes. Priority responses are for incidents that do not require an immediate presence but still necessitate police action. This longer timeframe highlights potential challenges in resource allocation and may reflect the geographical spread of policing responsibilities across the Maldon district.
It's important to note that response times are averages and can be affected by various factors including call volume, incident severity, and availability of officers. The lower crime rate in Tollesbury may, in part, be a consequence of effective community engagement and proactive policing strategies. However, maintaining this positive environment requires continued vigilance and reporting of any suspicious activity, regardless of how minor it may seem. Residents should also be aware of and utilise local crime prevention resources and consider participating in community initiatives.