Residents of Kidderminster concerned about anti-social behaviour have several avenues for reporting incidents. The most direct method is to contact West Mercia Police, the force responsible for policing Kidderminster, which is part of the Wyre Forest district.
Understanding the context is important. Kidderminster, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 58,599, currently has a crime rate of 103.4 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While a crime rate alone doesn't define an area's safety, it highlights the importance of proactive reporting. The area's safety score is 76/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 79/100, further reinforcing the need for community vigilance and reporting.
How to Report Anti-Social Behaviour:
- Non-Emergency Online Reporting: The West Mercia Police website (https://www.westmercia.police.uk/) allows residents to report non-emergency incidents online. This is often the quickest and most efficient method.
- Telephone: You can contact West Mercia Police on 101 (the non-emergency number). This is suitable for reporting incidents that don't require an immediate response.
- Emergency (999): If the anti-social behaviour is causing immediate danger or harm (e.g., violence, threats), call 999.
- Wyre Forest District Council: For issues that don't constitute a crime but are disruptive (e.g., noise complaints, vandalism of public property), contact Wyre Forest District Council. Their website (https://www.wyreforest.gov.uk/) provides details on how to report these types of issues.
What Information to Provide:
When reporting, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location of the incident
- Description of what happened
- Description of any individuals involved (if possible)
- Any witnesses
Documenting incidents with photos or videos (where safe to do so) can also be helpful in supporting your report. Consistent reporting allows the police and local council to identify patterns and allocate resources effectively to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour within Kidderminster.