The question of police presence in Rural Mole Valley is complex, requiring a look at both crime statistics and response times. The area, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) – Rural Mole Valley within the broader Mole Valley district, has a population of 10,502. Understanding the level of police presence involves considering the prevalence of crime, the perceived safety of the area, and how quickly police can respond to incidents.
Notably, Rural Mole Valley exhibits a crime rate of 66.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This suggests a relatively lower incidence of crime compared to the national picture. Furthermore, the area receives a safety score of 86 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This indicates that residents generally perceive the area as safe.
However, the data regarding police response times paints a less reassuring picture. According to 2024 data, the mean immediate response time for police in Rural Mole Valley is 24 minutes. A priority response time, which encompasses incidents requiring a less urgent but still important response, averages 491 minutes. These figures are crucial for understanding the practical level of support available when incidents occur.
It's important to note that response times can be affected by numerous factors, including geographical challenges inherent in rural areas, resource allocation, and the nature of the incidents being reported. The longer priority response time suggests that non-emergency situations may experience delays in police attention. While the lower crime rate is encouraging, these response times highlight a potential area for review and improvement within the local policing framework. The data provides a snapshot in time, and further investigation into the reasons behind these response times would be beneficial for residents seeking a more complete understanding of the level of police presence and support available in Rural Mole Valley.