The level of police presence and response in Hawkhurst, a built-up area within the Tunbridge Wells district, is a question many residents understandably ask. Let's examine the available data to provide a clear picture.
Hawkhurst has a population of 5014 people. Its current crime rate stands at 64.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, suggesting a relatively lower level of crime compared to the national picture. Furthermore, Hawkhurst boasts a safety score of 85 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a perception of safety amongst its residents.
However, response times are a crucial element of effective policing. Data from 2024 indicates a mean police immediate response time of 19 minutes. This refers to the average time it takes for police to respond to incidents requiring urgent attention. For priority responses, the mean response time is considerably longer, at 101 minutes. 'Priority' responses typically cover matters that require police intervention but do not necessitate an immediate presence. It's important to understand that these are mean times, and individual response times can vary significantly based on factors such as incident location, resource availability, and the severity of the situation.
While the crime rate is below average and the safety score is positive, the response times warrant consideration. These figures reflect the demands placed on police resources and the challenges in providing immediate assistance in all situations. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Understanding the distinction between immediate and priority responses is also important when reporting incidents.