Residents of Tewkesbury concerned about suspicious activity have several avenues for reporting it. The key is to act on your concerns, even if you're unsure if a crime has been committed.
Firstly, the most common method is to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary via the non-emergency number, 101. This number is specifically for reporting non-urgent incidents and providing information about suspicious activity. It's important to use 101 and not 999 unless it’s an emergency requiring immediate police attendance.
Alternatively, you can report incidents online through the Gloucestershire Constabulary website. This is often a convenient option for less urgent matters and allows you to provide detailed information. The website allows for the submission of information relating to a range of non-emergency matters.
Understanding Tewkesbury’s context is also helpful. With a population of 101,949, the crime rate stands at 60.8 incidents per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it’s still important to remain vigilant. Tewkesbury's safety score of 86/100 demonstrates a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average of 79, however, community awareness and reporting contribute significantly to maintaining this level of safety.
What constitutes suspicious activity? This can vary, but examples include unfamiliar vehicles loitering, individuals acting nervously, or unusual noises. It's about trusting your instincts. Providing as much detail as possible when reporting is crucial; this includes location, time, description of individuals or vehicles, and any other relevant information. Do not put yourself at risk. Observe from a safe distance and report what you see. Finally, consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area; this fosters community engagement and provides a platform for sharing concerns and information.