The level of police presence and response in Ashburton, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Teignbridge, is a complex picture shaped by its population, crime rate, and the resources available. Ashburton has a population of 3517 residents. Compared to the UK average, Ashburton exhibits a lower crime rate of 41.2 incidents per 1,000 people, while the national average stands at 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment than many other areas in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Ashburton boasts a safety score of 89 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79, reinforcing this perception of relative safety.
However, understanding police response times is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of local policing. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 17 minutes. 'Immediate' responses are typically reserved for incidents posing an immediate threat to life or serious risk of harm. For 'priority' incidents – those requiring a police response but not posing an immediate threat – the mean response time is 39 minutes. These figures provide a general indication; actual response times can vary considerably depending on factors such as incident location, resource availability, and the severity of the situation.
It is important to note that these figures represent mean times, and individual experiences may differ. While the low crime rate and high safety score are encouraging, the response times highlight the ongoing challenges in providing timely assistance, particularly for non-immediate incidents. The data does not allow for a comparison of these figures against other similar sized towns, but provides context within the UK average. Residents should be aware of these response times and consider community safety initiatives to supplement the police's efforts.