If you need to report a crime in Newport, understanding the correct procedures is crucial. The process differs depending on the severity of the incident.
Reporting an Emergency: If a crime is in progress, or someone is in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately. This includes situations like a burglary in progress, an assault, or witnessing a serious road traffic collision. The operator will assess the situation and dispatch appropriate resources.
Reporting Non-Emergency Crimes: For non-emergency incidents, such as theft that has already occurred, criminal damage, or reporting a suspicious occurrence, you should contact Gwent Police through their non-emergency channels. These include:
- Telephone: 101 – This is the non-emergency number for Gwent Police.
- Online Reporting: Visit the Gwent Police website (https://www.gwent.police.uk/) and use their online reporting tool. This is a convenient way to submit details of a crime.
- Live Chat: Gwent Police also offers a live chat function on their website for immediate assistance with non-emergency reports.
Understanding Newport’s Crime Statistics: Newport, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 167,899, has a crime rate of 88.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Newport's safety score is 80/100, which is also marginally higher than the UK average of 79. While these figures offer a general overview, it’s important to remember that crime rates can fluctuate and vary within different areas of Newport. Reporting any crime, regardless of its perceived severity, helps police understand local trends and allocate resources effectively. Providing as much detail as possible when reporting – including date, time, location, and descriptions of individuals involved – is vital for a thorough investigation.
What Information to Provide: When reporting a crime, be prepared to provide:
- Your name and contact details
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- A detailed description of what happened
- Descriptions of any suspects or vehicles involved
- Any evidence or property that was involved.