Reporting a crime in Godmanchester follows the standard procedures used across Cambridgeshire and the UK. The process you follow depends on the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Situations (Immediate Threat): If a crime is currently happening, or someone is in immediate danger, always call 999. This includes incidents like robberies, assaults, or any situation where life is at risk. The operator will dispatch police immediately.
Non-Emergency Situations: For crimes that have already occurred and do not pose an immediate threat, you should contact the police on 101. This number is for non-urgent incidents like theft, vandalism, or suspicious activity. You can also report crimes online via the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website (check their website for the most up-to-date link).
Online Reporting: The online reporting tool is a convenient option for less serious crimes. It allows you to provide details at your own pace and includes options for uploading photos or videos. However, it's important to remember that some crimes may require a phone call or in-person report.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. This includes:
- Your name and contact information
- The location of the crime
- A description of what happened
- The time the crime occurred
- A description of any suspects or vehicles involved
- Any property that was stolen or damaged
Contextualising Godmanchester's Crime Rate and Safety: It's useful to understand Godmanchester’s position relative to the national average. With a crime rate of 55.3 per 1,000 residents, Godmanchester has a higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, it also benefits from a relatively high safety score of 87/100, suggesting a perception of safety and effective policing. Reporting crimes, even seemingly minor ones, helps the police to accurately assess local crime trends and allocate resources effectively, contributing to the maintenance of this positive safety score.