If you've noticed something that doesn't feel right in South Tyneside, it's important to report it. The process is straightforward and can help the police prevent crime.
Firstly, understand what constitutes suspicious activity. This could be anything from unusual behaviour in your neighbourhood to people loitering without a clear purpose. It’s about trusting your instincts – if something feels off, it’s worth reporting.
To report suspicious activity, you have several options. The most immediate is to call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger. For non-emergency situations, such as witnessing suspicious behaviour that doesn’t pose an immediate threat, you should contact Northumbria Police on 101. You can also report online through the Northumbria Police website (details available on their website).
When reporting, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. This includes the location of the activity, a description of the people involved (including clothing and any distinguishing features), the time you observed the activity, and what specifically made you feel suspicious. Even seemingly small details can be valuable to the police.
It's helpful to know that South Tyneside has a crime rate of 121.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While a safety score of 73/100 suggests a reasonably safe area, remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour is crucial. Reporting helps police allocate resources effectively and proactively address potential threats within the community. Don't worry about wasting police time; they are trained to assess the information you provide and determine the appropriate response. Remember, your report could be the crucial piece of information that prevents a crime from happening.