Reporting a crime in Basingstoke and Deane is a vital step in ensuring the safety and security of our community. The area, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 193,110, generally enjoys a lower crime rate than the national average – 69.7 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 91.6. Furthermore, Basingstoke and Deane boasts a safety score of 82/100, exceeding the national average of 79, suggesting a relatively safe environment. However, it’s still essential to know how to report any incidents you witness or experience.
How to Report a Crime:
There are several ways to report a crime to Hampshire Police, who cover Basingstoke and Deane. The appropriate method depends on the urgency of the situation.
- Emergency Situations (Immediate Threat): If a crime is in progress, or someone is in danger, always call 999. This includes situations involving violence, theft where the suspect is still present, or any other immediate threat to life or property.
- Non-Emergency Situations (Not Immediate Threat): For crimes that have already occurred and do not pose an immediate threat, you have several options:
- Online Reporting: The Hampshire Police website (https://www.hampshire.police.uk/) offers a convenient online reporting tool. This is suitable for reporting crimes such as theft, criminal damage, or minor assaults where there is no immediate danger.
- Telephone: You can report non-emergency crimes by calling 101. This is a non-emergency number for contacting the police.
- In Person: You can visit a police station in person to report a crime. However, online or telephone reporting is generally preferred for non-urgent matters.
What Information to Include:
When reporting a crime, it's helpful to provide as much detail as possible. This includes:
- What happened
- When it happened
- Where it happened
- Who was involved
- Any descriptions of suspects or vehicles
- Any relevant evidence or witness information
Reporting crimes, even seemingly minor ones, helps the police understand crime patterns and allocate resources effectively, contributing to the overall safety of Basingstoke and Deane.