The best way to report crime in Machen, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Caerphilly, depends on the nature of the incident. Machen has a population of 2279 and a crime rate of 41.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While this indicates a relatively safe environment, it's still vital to know how to report any criminal activity.
For Emergencies: If a crime is in progress, or someone is in immediate danger, always dial 999. This includes incidents like robberies, assaults, or any situation requiring urgent police intervention. Provide the operator with your location, a description of the incident, and any relevant details about the suspect(s).
For Non-Emergency Incidents: For non-urgent crimes, such as theft, vandalism, or suspicious activity that doesn’t require immediate action, you have several options:
- Call 101: This is the non-emergency number for the police. It’s appropriate for reporting crimes that have already occurred and don’t pose an immediate threat.
- Online Reporting: South Wales Police offers an online reporting tool on their website (southwales.police.uk). This is a convenient way to report certain crimes, such as theft of a bicycle or minor damage to property. Not all crimes can be reported online; the website will guide you.
- Attend a Local Police Station: While less common, you can visit the nearest police station to report a crime in person.
Machen’s safety score is 87/100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This positive score reflects the lower crime rate in the area. However, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity, regardless of the overall safety score. Prompt reporting helps police investigate incidents effectively and maintain the safety of Machen. Remember to provide as much detail as possible when reporting any crime, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of individuals or vehicles involved.