The best way to report a suspicious person in Worthing depends on the immediacy of the situation. If you believe a person poses an immediate threat or is committing a crime, always dial 999. This is for emergency situations requiring an urgent police response.
For non-emergency situations, or when you are unsure whether a person’s behaviour warrants immediate police intervention, you should contact the police through non-emergency channels. The most effective method is to use the non-emergency online reporting tool on the Sussex Police website. This allows you to provide a detailed account of what you've observed, including location, time, and a description of the person. You can also call 101, the non-emergency number for Sussex Police.
It's important to understand that Worthing, with a population of 113,866, currently has a crime rate of 94.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. While this is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and the safety score for Worthing is 79/100, mirroring the UK average, reporting suspicious activity helps police proactively address potential issues and maintain a safe environment.
When reporting, be as specific as possible. Details like the person's appearance, what they are doing, and where they are located are crucial. Avoid making assumptions or accusations; simply state what you observed. For example, instead of saying “He looked suspicious,” say “The person was repeatedly looking over their shoulder and appeared to be trying to conceal their face.”
Remember, reporting a suspicious person is not about judging individuals; it's about providing information that allows the police to investigate and prevent potential crimes. The Sussex Police website provides guidance on what constitutes suspicious behaviour and how to report it responsibly. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and report your concerns.