The level of police presence and response in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, is a relevant concern for residents. Overall, Bishop's Castle exhibits a relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average. The crime rate in Bishop's Castle (BUA) stands at 64.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the UK average is considerably higher at 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment than many areas across the country.
Beyond the overall crime rate, understanding police response times is crucial. Data from 2023 indicates a mean immediate response time of 13 minutes for urgent situations. However, for priority incidents, the mean response time is significantly longer, averaging 43 minutes. It's important to note that 'immediate' and 'priority' classifications are determined by police protocols and severity assessments.
Bishop's Castle also boasts a commendable safety score of 84 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This score likely reflects a combination of factors, including the lower crime rate and potentially strong community engagement. While the 43-minute priority response time might raise concerns, the overall safety score provides a more balanced perspective on the area's security.
It's important to remember that these are mean response times. Individual experiences may vary depending on factors such as the specific location within Bishop's Castle, the nature of the incident, and resource availability. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police and to engage with local community safety initiatives to further enhance the area’s safety profile. The population of Bishop's Castle is 1529, meaning the lower crime rate is spread across a relatively small community.