The question of police response times in Great Bedwyn is understandably important for residents. Based on data from 2024, the mean immediate police response time for Great Bedwyn is 14 minutes. This refers to situations requiring urgent intervention, such as incidents involving immediate threat to life or serious injury.
However, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, standing at 69 minutes. Priority responses cover incidents that require police attention but don't demand an immediate presence. This could include things like burglaries in progress or reports of criminal damage. It’s important to understand that these are mean times, and individual response times can vary significantly based on factors such as the nature of the incident, police availability, and geographic location within the BUA of Great Bedwyn.
Great Bedwyn, a built-up area in Wiltshire with a population of 1826, presents a unique context. The area boasts a crime rate of 42.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This lower crime rate contributes to an overall safety score of 90 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. However, the night safety score is notably lower at 14/100, suggesting residents may feel less safe after dark.
It is vital to remember that response times are influenced by many variables. The police force prioritises incidents based on risk and severity. While a 69-minute priority response time might seem lengthy, it reflects a system balancing resources and responding to a range of incidents across Wiltshire. Residents should always dial 999 in an emergency and 101 for non-emergency situations to ensure appropriate response levels. Reporting suspicious activity, even if seemingly minor, can also assist the police in maintaining community safety and potentially improving response efficiency.