The visibility and effectiveness of the police presence in Mildenhall, West Suffolk, is a complex topic best understood through available data. The most direct answer is that while the area maintains a reasonable safety score, response times are a key consideration for residents.
Mildenhall (West Suffolk) has a population of 8,940 and a crime rate of 85.9 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively lower risk of crime. The area's safety score is 78 out of 100, which is marginally below the UK average of 79. This indicates a perception of slightly lower safety compared to the national picture, although the difference is relatively small.
A crucial indicator of police effectiveness is response time. Data from 2024 shows the mean immediate response time for police in Mildenhall is 13 minutes. This is the time taken to respond to emergencies requiring urgent attention. However, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, at 50 minutes. This indicates a delay in addressing non-emergency incidents or those requiring less immediate action. It’s important to note that response times can be affected by a variety of factors, including resource availability and the severity of incidents across the West Suffolk area.
It’s also important to remember that the safety score is based on a combination of factors, including reported crime rates and perceptions of safety. While the crime rate is slightly below average, the lower safety score might reflect concerns about response times or other local issues. Understanding these nuances allows residents to assess the level of police visibility and its impact on overall safety within Mildenhall.