The police response to crime rates in Chivenor and Wrafton, a built-up area (BUA) in North Devon with a population of 3225, is a key concern for residents. While the area benefits from a safety score of 89 out of 100 – significantly higher than the UK average of 79 – understanding how quickly police respond is vital. The current crime rate in Chivenor and Wrafton stands at 40.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000.
However, response times are a critical factor in assessing the effectiveness of policing. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 17 minutes. An 'immediate' response typically signifies a situation requiring urgent attention, such as a crime in progress or a threat to life. For 'priority' incidents – those requiring a prompt but not necessarily immediate response – the mean response time is 39 minutes. It's important to note that these are mean times, and actual response times can vary depending on factors such as the nature of the incident, availability of resources, and geographical location.
Devon and Cornwall Police, responsible for policing Chivenor and Wrafton, operate under national guidelines for response times. While these times represent the average, residents should be aware that unexpected circumstances can influence the speed of a response. The relatively lower crime rate in the area likely contributes to the ability of the police to maintain these response times, but ongoing assessment and resource allocation remain essential. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicious activity to the police, as this information helps inform policing strategies and ensures the continued safety of the community. Further details regarding specific incidents and local policing initiatives can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.