The police response to crime in Old Sarum, Wiltshire, is a complex issue influenced by several factors. While Old Sarum boasts a crime rate of 59.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, understanding how police address reported crimes is important for residents.
In 2024, data shows the mean immediate police response time in Old Sarum is 14 minutes. An ‘immediate’ response generally indicates incidents requiring urgent attention, such as those involving potential harm or danger. The mean priority response time, however, is considerably longer at 69 minutes. ‘Priority’ responses are for incidents that require police intervention but do not pose an immediate threat to life or property.
It’s important to note that response times can be impacted by numerous variables, including the severity of the incident, the availability of resources, and the geographical challenges of the area. The population of Old Sarum is relatively small, at 5826, which can impact resource allocation and potentially influence response times compared to larger urban areas.
Despite the longer priority response time, Old Sarum’s overall safety score is comparatively high, registering 85 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests that while response times may be a concern, the overall perception of safety within the community remains positive. However, residents should be aware of the stated response times and understand that these are averages and individual experiences may vary. Reporting all incidents, even seemingly minor ones, is vital to ensure accurate data collection and enable the police to better understand and address local crime trends.