The best way to report crimes in Great Somerford, Wiltshire, depends on the urgency of the situation. Great Somerford, a built-up area (BUA) with a population of 1458 people, benefits from a relatively low crime rate of 20.6 crimes per 1,000 residents – significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This contributes to a commendable safety score of 95 out of 100, well above the national average of 79.
For Emergencies – Call 999 Immediately: If a crime is in progress, someone is in danger, or there’s a risk of immediate harm, always call 999. This includes incidents like a burglary in progress, an assault, or a road traffic accident where someone is injured. The 999 service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For Non-Emergency Crimes – Call 101: For non-urgent crimes, such as reporting a theft that occurred some time ago, a suspicious person loitering, or damage to property, contact the non-emergency number 101. This number is operated by Wiltshire Police and connects you to a call handler who can record the incident and allocate resources as needed. Calling 101 ensures that emergency lines remain free for genuine emergencies. It’s important to remember that 101 is not for urgent matters.
Reporting Online: Wiltshire Police also offers online crime reporting through their website (https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/). This is a convenient option for reporting crimes that don’t require immediate police attention. The online system allows you to provide detailed information and upload supporting evidence such as photos or videos.
What Information to Provide: When reporting any crime, regardless of the method, providing accurate and detailed information is crucial. This includes:
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- A description of any people or vehicles involved
- Any property that was stolen or damaged
By following these guidelines and reporting crimes appropriately, residents of Great Somerford can help maintain the village’s high safety score and contribute to a safer community. Remember, even seemingly minor incidents can be important in identifying patterns and preventing future crime.