The police response to crime in Digby, North Kesteven, is a nuanced issue when considered alongside the area's overall safety profile. Digby, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1414, exhibits a crime rate of 29.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safe environment. Furthermore, Digby scores a commendable 92/100 on the safety scale, far exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a strong perception of safety within the community.
However, examining police response times reveals a contrasting picture. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 32 minutes. A 'priority response' has a mean time of 1204 minutes, which equates to over 20 hours. It's crucial to understand the distinction between these categories. 'Immediate' responses are reserved for emergencies requiring urgent attention, while 'priority' responses address less critical situations that still require police intervention. The substantial difference in these times highlights the challenges faced by the police service in allocating resources effectively.
Several factors can influence response times, including the overall demand on police resources, the geographical spread of incidents, and the availability of officers. While the low crime rate in Digby may contribute to reduced demand, the considerable distance to cover and limited resources may still impact response capabilities. It's important to note that these are mean times; individual response times can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each incident. Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency incidents online where possible, or during quieter periods, to help optimise police resource allocation and potentially improve overall response efficiency.