If you witness a crime in Fareham, your immediate response should prioritise your safety and then focus on reporting the incident to the authorities. Fareham, with a population of 115,428, has a crime rate of 59.3 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many other areas in the country. However, witnessing a crime can still be a concerning experience, and knowing how to react is crucial.
Immediate Safety: Your first priority is to ensure your own safety. If the crime is ongoing and you feel threatened, move to a safe location. Do not attempt to intervene unless you are confident in your ability to do so without putting yourself at risk.
Reporting the Crime: There are two primary methods for reporting a crime in Fareham. For emergencies, such as a crime in progress or a situation where someone is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately. Provide the operator with as much information as possible, including your location and a description of what you witnessed. For non-emergency situations, or if the crime has already occurred and no immediate danger exists, call 101. This is the appropriate channel for reporting incidents like theft, vandalism, or suspicious activity. You can also report crimes online through the Hampshire Constabulary website (ensure you verify the official website for accuracy).
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, be prepared to provide a detailed account of what you witnessed. This includes: the time and location of the incident, a description of the people involved (including any distinguishing features), a description of any vehicles involved, and any other relevant details. Even seemingly minor details can be valuable to the police investigation.
Fareham's Safety Score: It’s worth noting that Fareham boasts a safety score of 85/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. This indicates a generally safer community, but it's still vital to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Remember, reporting crimes helps maintain and improve the safety of the entire community.