Reporting a crime in Coxhoe, a built-up area within County Durham with a population of 2857, is essential to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. The process depends on the severity and immediacy of the situation.
When to Call 999: If a crime is currently happening, or has just happened, and someone is in danger, or there is a risk of immediate harm, you must call 999. Examples include a burglary in progress, a violent assault, or a serious road traffic collision.
Reporting Non-Emergencies: For incidents that don't require an immediate response, such as theft that occurred some time ago, a minor property crime, or to report suspicious activity, you should contact the police on 101. 101 is a non-emergency number for all police forces in England and Wales. You can also report these incidents online through the Durham Constabulary website (details are provided at the end of this answer).
Coxhoe Crime Rate & Safety: Coxhoe’s crime rate stands at 59.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. The area also boasts a safety score of 87/100, which is significantly above the UK average of 79. While this indicates a relatively safe environment, reporting crimes remains vital to maintain this level of safety and allows the police to investigate and prevent future incidents.
How to Report Online: The Durham Constabulary website offers a convenient online reporting tool. You can find it at https://www.durham.police.uk/. The website allows you to provide details of the crime, upload evidence (like photos or videos), and track the progress of your report.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- Any descriptions of people or vehicles involved
- Any property that was stolen or damaged
Record Keeping: Always obtain a crime reference number when you report an incident. This number is essential for follow-up enquiries and to track the progress of the investigation. Keep a record of the date, time, and method used to report the crime.