Reporting crimes in Horden, County Durham, requires understanding the proper procedures to ensure your safety and assist the police in their investigations. With a population of 7243, Horden currently has a crime rate of 171.9 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6. This, coupled with a safety score of 61/100 (compared to a UK average of 79), highlights the importance of knowing how to report incidents effectively.
Emergency Situations: If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, always call 999. Provide the operator with your location, a description of the situation, and any relevant details about the individuals involved. Do not approach the scene if it’s unsafe.
Non-Emergency Situations: For crimes that have already occurred and don’t pose an immediate threat, you should use the non-emergency reporting channels. This can be done via:
- Phone: Call 101. This is the non-emergency number for all police forces in England and Wales.
- Online Reporting: The Durham Constabulary website (https://www.durham.police.uk/) allows you to report crimes online, providing a detailed form to complete. This is useful for incidents like theft, vandalism, or harassment.
- Live Chat: Durham Constabulary also offers a live chat function on their website, allowing you to report non-urgent crimes and receive immediate assistance.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, regardless of the method, provide as much detail as possible. This includes:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location of the incident
- Description of the crime
- Description of any suspects (if known)
- Any property that was stolen or damaged
- Your contact information
Keeping Records: It's advisable to keep a record of your reports, including the date, time, and reference number (if provided). This can be helpful if you need to follow up on the case or provide additional information later. While the higher crime rate in Horden (171.9 per 1000 residents) compared to the UK average (91.6) can be concerning, reporting incidents helps the police allocate resources effectively and address local concerns.