The level of police presence in Buckfastleigh, a built-up area (BUA) within Teignbridge, Devon, is a complex question tied to its crime rate, population, and response times. Buckfastleigh has a population of 3033 residents. Interestingly, its crime rate stands at 64.6 incidents per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment compared to many areas across the country.
While the crime rate is favourable, understanding police response times is crucial for assessing safety and security. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 17 minutes. An 'immediate response' typically refers to situations requiring urgent attention, such as crimes in progress or those posing an immediate threat to life. The mean priority response time, for less urgent matters, is 39 minutes. This means that non-emergency incidents will generally experience a longer wait time before police intervention.
It’s important to note that these are mean response times, meaning some responses will be quicker and some slower. Factors affecting response times include the severity of the incident, the availability of resources, and the distance to the location. The overall safety score for Buckfastleigh is 84/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79, further reinforcing the perception of a relatively safe community. However, longer response times, particularly for priority incidents, could impact this perception for some residents. Understanding the difference between 'immediate' and 'priority' response categories is key to appropriately reporting incidents and ensuring police resources are deployed effectively. Reporting non-emergencies through the appropriate channels, rather than calling 999, can help to expedite response times for genuine emergencies.