If you witness a crime in West Lancashire, it's important to know how to respond safely and effectively. Your actions can contribute to the safety of yourself and others.
Prioritise Your Safety: The most crucial thing is your own safety. Do not put yourself at risk. If the crime is ongoing and poses an immediate threat, call 999 immediately. Provide the operator with as much detail as possible, including the location and a description of the individuals involved.
Reporting the Crime: If the crime isn't an emergency, you should still report it to the police. You can do this in several ways:
- Call 101: This is the non-emergency number for the police. It's suitable for reporting crimes that have already occurred or for providing information about a crime you've witnessed.
- Online Reporting: Lancashire Constabulary often allows reporting of certain crimes online through their website. Check their website for details and eligibility.
- In Person: You can visit a local police station to report the incident.
Contextualising the Situation in West Lancashire: West Lancashire, with a population of 121,995, currently has a crime rate of 70.1 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. West Lancashire also boasts a safety score of 84/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. While these figures suggest a relatively safe area, it is still important to report any witnessed crimes. Reporting helps police monitor crime trends and allocate resources effectively.
What Information to Provide: When reporting, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- What you witnessed
- When and where it happened
- A description of any individuals involved (age, gender, clothing, etc.)
- Any vehicles involved (make, model, registration number)
- Your own contact information (so the police can follow up)
Remember: Even if you're unsure whether what you've witnessed is a crime, it's always best to report it. The police can investigate and determine if any offences have been committed.