If you witness a crime in Lewes, your immediate response should prioritise your safety and then focus on reporting the incident to the authorities. The best course of action depends heavily on the nature of the crime and the level of immediate danger.
Immediate Danger – Call 999: If the crime is happening right now, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999 without hesitation. Clearly state your location (Lewes, LAD) and provide a concise description of what you’ve witnessed. Follow the operator's instructions carefully.
Non-Emergency Situations – Contact Police: If the crime has already occurred and there is no immediate danger, you should contact the non-emergency police line. You can find this number on the Sussex Police website. Providing a detailed account of what you saw is vital.
Reporting Anonymously: If you prefer not to identify yourself, you can report the crime anonymously through the Sussex Police website or by contacting Crimestoppers. While anonymity protects your identity, it can sometimes limit the police's ability to follow up with you for further details.
Understanding Lewes Crime Statistics: It’s helpful to understand the context of crime within Lewes. With a population of 102,363, Lewes currently has a crime rate of 68.9 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Furthermore, Lewes boasts a safety score of 84/100, which is above the UK average of 79. While this suggests a relatively safe area, witnessing a crime can still be a frightening experience.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, try to recall as much detail as possible. This includes:
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Where did it happen?
- Who was involved?
- Any descriptions of people or vehicles involved.
- Any other relevant observations.
Even seemingly insignificant details can be crucial to the police investigation. Remember to remain calm and speak clearly when reporting.