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Reporting crime

The police and other public services can’t tackle crime and anti-social behaviour alone. If people don't report crime or come forward as witnesses it can be hard for them to solve cases and bring criminals to justice. You can help play your part by reporting crime and anti-social behaviour when you see it.

Reporting crime in an emergency

In an emergency you should always call 999. An emergency is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby or when someone is injured, threatened or in danger.

Reporting crime anonymously

If you want to report a crime but are concerned about revealing your identity to the police you can get in touch with Crimestoppers. Find out how to reach them on their website.

• Reporting a crime

• Crimestoppers website Opens new window

Get involved with your neighbourhood policing team

Made up of police officers and community support officers (PCSOs), your neighbourhood policing team is there to make your street safer.

It holds regular open meetings with residents to discuss what’s being done about crime, and to ensure that new problems are dealt with.

You can find out where and when the next meetings will be held and information about what they are doing in your area by visiting their website.

• Find a police force, neighbourhood policing team or police authority

• Neighbourhood policing

Join Neighbourhood Watch

One of the simplest and most effective moves you can make to protect your community is to join your local Neighbourhood Watch group. If there isn't one in your area already, you can start your own.

Your local police station can put you in touch with a group near you, and the Neighbourhood Watch website has lots of information to help you get started.

• Neighbourhood Watch

Join a tenants' or residents' association

These groups provide a way for you to get involved in taking care of your local area.

They often organise community events and make sure buildings are tidy, but they can also improve the safety of your street. They can help you take a stand against crime and anti-social behaviour.

You can get involved by joining or setting up a tenants' or residents' association.

Become a Special Constable

The Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police.

'Specials', as special constables are known, come from all walks of life - they can be teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries, or from any other profession. They all volunteer at least four hours a week to their local police force. Their work forms a vital link between the regular (full-time) police and residents.

Once they have completed their training, they have the same powers as regular officers and wear a similar uniform.

If you join the Specials you can:

• learn new skills and gain valuable experience
• challenge yourself
• learn first-hand about the police force before committing to a full-time job there

• Become a Special Police Constable

Get involved with the justice system

There are several ways to get involved with local community justice projects.

For example, you could:

• attend public meetings (such as neighbourhood policing team or Neighbourhood Watch meetings)
• become a member of a community justice forum
• join an advisory group

You can also:

• suggest Community Payback projects for offenders to carry out as part of their community sentence
• become a magistrate or Special Constable, or volunteer to sit on a youth offender panel
• get involved with volunteer groups like Victim Support or the witness service to help people affected by crime

• Community justice

Keep yourself and your property safe

One of the best ways to prevent crime is to make sure you and your property are as safe as possible.

There are lots of simple safety steps you can take, whether you’re out and about or at home.

Find out what you can do, including the kinds of locks police recommend for your home and other useful tips on keeping safe, using the link below.

• Home security scorecard Opens new window