However, that doesn’t mean that people should not remain vigilant to what is going on within their community – reporting crime is the most effective way of helping an area to become a safer place in which to live, work and play.
If police aren’t aware of what is happening on the streets, in parks and public spaces, on shopping streets or even in individual houses – one thing is certain, they will be less able to do anything about it.
If crimes are under reported, there’s a danger that the Chief Constable and I won’t allocate the correct resources to tackling them or appreciate where communities are most suffering.
We all know that in an emergency, if you are a victim of crime or witness something where you think somebody else may be in danger, by calling 999 the police will be able to give you the help, support and reassurance you need to deal with the situation.
But what about reporting things which aren’t an emergency?
What about the times when you might see something happening, see somebody acting suspiciously or hear something that concerns you but doesn’t pose an immediate threat?
By reporting these things, it allows the police to build up a picture of what might be occurring on their patch – but how do you go about reporting that and what will happen to that information if you do?
Although you can call 101, phoning is not the only option. You could also webchat or email a contact centre officer but did you also know you an make direct contact with your neighbourhood team?
The simplest way to do this is to visit the police website - Home | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk) – put your postcode into the box that says ‘Find my local police team’ and then hit the ‘Contact policing team’ button. Your message will then be passed to the most appropriate person.
Local officers will rely on this intelligence to assess threat, risk and harm and to target resources following an assessment of the risk.
If people have information about crime they can also pass it anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers, which then passes leads onto the relevant force.
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And while those of us who don’t work on the front line enjoy the festive period my thoughts will turn to those in our blue light services who are working to keep us safe.
In an emergency call 999 immediately
In a non-emergency
Webchat at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
You can also call free on 101.
To contact your local police team email direct via this link Home | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)
Contact Crimestoppers
Call: 0800 555111
Or report online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org