The process for reporting crimes in Hammer, a BUA with a population of 1615 in Chichester, is similar to the standard procedure across the United Kingdom. While specific details may vary slightly depending on the nature of the crime, the fundamental steps remain consistent.
Generally, you have two primary options for reporting a crime: online and by telephone. For non-emergency incidents, the online reporting system, available through the Sussex Police website (sussex.police.uk), is often the most convenient method. This system allows you to provide detailed information about the incident, including location, time, and involved parties. You’ll receive a crime reference number which is crucial for follow-up.
However, if a crime is in progress, involves a threat to life, or poses an immediate danger, you must call 999. This is the emergency number and is designed for situations requiring urgent police intervention. For less urgent matters, but still requiring immediate attention, you can contact the non-emergency number, 101.
It's important to note that Hammer currently has a crime rate of 50.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This lower crime rate contributes to Hammer's high safety score of 87/100, which is also above the UK average of 79. However, regardless of the area’s overall safety, reporting any crime is vital to ensure the police can investigate and maintain safety for all residents.
When reporting, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. This includes dates, times, locations, descriptions of individuals involved, and any relevant evidence. The more information you can offer, the better equipped the police will be to investigate. Keep a record of your report, including the crime reference number, as you may need it for future correspondence. The Sussex Police website provides further guidance and resources for reporting crime, and you can find more information about crime prevention tips there too.