If you notice something that doesn't feel right in Portsmouth, reporting it is a crucial step in helping to keep our community safe. The question of how to report suspicious activity is a common one, and understanding the process is straightforward.
Firstly, it's important to understand the context. Portsmouth, with a population of 214,321, has a crime rate of 122.1 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6, and it highlights the importance of community vigilance. While a safety score of 70/100 indicates a reasonable level of safety, any suspicious activity should be taken seriously.
How to Report Suspicious Activity:
- In an Emergency: If you believe a crime is currently in progress or someone is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately. Provide the operator with your location, a description of what you've seen, and any details about the individuals involved.
- Non-Emergency Situations: For non-urgent matters, contact the police on 101. This is the non-emergency number for all police forces in England and Wales. You can also report online through the Hampshire Constabulary website (search for 'Report an incident' on their website).
- What to Report: Suspicious activity can include, but isn’t limited to: unusual loitering, people acting nervously, vehicles parked in an unusual location, or anything that simply 'doesn't feel right'.
What Information to Provide: The more detail you can offer, the better. This includes:
- Location: Be precise – street names, landmarks.
- Time: When did you observe the activity?
- Description: Describe the individuals involved (age, gender, clothing, any distinguishing features), vehicles (make, model, colour, registration number if possible), and the activity itself.
- Your Contact Details: The police may need to contact you for further information.
Remember, reporting suspicious activity is not about accusing anyone of a crime; it's about alerting the authorities to something that may warrant further investigation. Don't be afraid to report something – even if it turns out to be nothing, you've helped the police maintain vigilance and protect the community.