The process for reporting crime in Padiham, which is a built-up area within Burnley, follows standard procedures for Lancashire Constabulary. It’s important to understand the different channels available, depending on the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Situations (Immediate Danger): If a crime is happening right now, or someone is in immediate danger, always dial 999. This applies to situations like a burglary in progress, an assault, or any threat to life. Provide the operator with your location and a clear description of what is happening.
Non-Emergency Situations: For crimes that have already occurred and do not pose an immediate threat, you should use the non-emergency number 101. This is also the number to call for reporting a crime that has happened in the past, such as theft or vandalism.
Online Reporting: Lancashire Constabulary provides an online reporting tool on their website (https://doit.lancashire.police.uk/). This is a convenient option for reporting crimes like lost property, minor theft, or damage to vehicles, where no one is injured and there is no immediate threat. The online system allows you to provide detailed information and upload supporting evidence.
Understanding Padiham's Crime Context: It’s helpful to understand the context of crime in Padiham. With a population of 10913, Padiham currently has a crime rate of 143.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 68/100, which is also below the UK average of 79. While this data indicates a higher incidence of crime compared to the national average, it's important to remember that crime reporting rates also influence these figures. Reporting crimes, regardless of their perceived severity, is crucial for the police to effectively allocate resources and address local concerns.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location of the incident
- Description of what happened
- Description of any suspects or vehicles involved
- Any property that was stolen or damaged
- Your contact details