The effectiveness of the police presence in addressing crime in Lifton, West Devon, can be assessed by examining several key indicators. The most immediately apparent is the area's crime rate, which currently stands at 41.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safe environment. Lifton's population is 1792, further contextualising the crime rate within a small community.
Beyond the raw crime rate, Lifton boasts a safety score of 89 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. This score likely incorporates factors beyond reported crime, such as perceptions of safety and levels of community engagement. A high safety score suggests that residents generally feel secure in their environment.
However, the picture isn't entirely straightforward when considering police response times. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 17 minutes. A 'priority' response, which addresses less urgent but still important incidents, averages 39 minutes. These response times, while not catastrophic, are considerably longer than what some residents might expect or desire. It's important to note that response times can be influenced by numerous factors, including resource allocation, incident location, and the severity of the situation.
While the low crime rate and high safety score are encouraging, the longer priority response times warrant attention. It's possible that proactive policing strategies, community engagement initiatives, and improved resource allocation could contribute to reducing response times and further enhancing the feeling of safety within Lifton. It's also crucial to remember that these figures represent averages, and individual experiences may vary.