The question of police response times in Wylam, Northumberland, is understandably important for residents. The data for 2024 reveals a median police immediate response time of 11 minutes. A priority response, which covers incidents not requiring an immediate presence, currently has a median response time of 34 minutes.
It's important to contextualise these figures within the broader picture of Wylam’s safety profile. The village, with a population of 2002, has a crime rate of 57.0 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a generally safer environment. Furthermore, Wylam boasts a safety score of 90 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. However, the night safety score of 15/100 highlights an area for potential improvement, suggesting caution is advised after dark.
Understanding the difference between 'immediate' and 'priority' responses is crucial. Immediate responses are deployed to situations posing an immediate threat to life or serious risk of harm. Priority responses are for incidents where there's a risk of escalation or harm, but not immediately life-threatening. The 34-minute median for priority responses reflects the resource allocation and assessment process employed by the police.
While the overall crime rate and safety score are encouraging, residents should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Reporting suspicious activity promptly and taking preventative measures, such as securing property and utilising neighbourhood watch schemes, can contribute to maintaining the village's safety. These response times are median figures; actual response times can vary depending on factors like incident location, available resources, and traffic conditions.