Reporting a crime in Castleside, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in County Durham with a population of 1632, requires understanding the appropriate channels based on the urgency of the situation. While Castleside boasts a relatively low crime rate of 38.0 per 1,000 residents – significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 – it's still vital to report any incidents promptly. Its safety score of 91/100 further reinforces the area’s generally secure environment, but vigilance and reporting remain crucial.
For Emergencies: If a crime is in progress, or someone is in danger, immediately call 999. This includes incidents like robberies, assaults, or any situation requiring immediate police intervention. Provide the operator with your location (Castleside, County Durham) and a clear description of what’s happening.
For Non-Emergencies: For crimes that have already occurred and don't pose an immediate threat, there are several ways to report them:
- Online Reporting: The most convenient method for many non-emergency incidents is to use the Durham Constabulary’s online reporting tool. This can be found on their official website. The online form allows you to provide details about the crime, including the date, time, location, and any involved parties.
- Non-Emergency Telephone Line: You can also report non-emergency crimes by calling the non-emergency police telephone line. The number for this is 101. Be prepared to provide similar details as you would in the online form.
Important Considerations:
- Record Keeping: Always keep a record of your report, including the date, time, and any reference numbers provided by the police. This is important for follow-up and tracking the progress of the investigation.
- Detailed Information: Providing as much detail as possible when reporting a crime can significantly aid the investigation. This includes descriptions of suspects, vehicles, and any relevant evidence.
- Confidentiality: The police are committed to protecting your privacy and will handle your report with discretion. You can request that your details remain confidential, although this may limit the police's ability to contact you.
By utilising these reporting methods, residents of Castleside can contribute to maintaining the area's safety and security, despite the generally low crime rate.