How to Report a Crime
Should you need to report a crime while you are in Cambridge, there are a number of ways you can do so:
By Phone:0845 456 4564
This number can be used to report non-emergency incidents. The phone is manned by a trained operator 24 hours a day. When you report a crime by telephone, the crime details are entered directly onto the computer and you are given a Crime Number.
999
This is the emergency number and is ONLY to be used in an emergency: when lives are at risk/violence/serious injuring/rious crime is happening and/or when the criminal is still at the scene or nearby.
In Person:
Parkside Police Station
Crimes can be reported at the Inquiry Desk at Parkside Police station from 7am – 2am. The Inquiry Desk officer will take the details of the crime and give you an incident number.
It is possible to report a crime some time after the incident has occurred so do not be put off if you feel unable to approach the police right away.
If you do report a crime, this DOES NOT mean you will have to go to court. It is YOUR decision whether you want to take an incident to court or not and it is possible to report a crime for purely intelligence gathering purposes.
When you report a crime to the police, you will be asked a series of questions including:
- Name- Date of Birth
- Address
- Telephone Numbers
- Occupation
- Time and location of crime
- Witness details
Any time you report a crime you may have a friend or associate with you for moral support if you need it.
Reporting a Sexual AssaultIf you have experienced a sexual assault or suspect that you have been sexually assaulted, the most important thing that you can do is tell someone and report it to the police. Do not feel afraid or embarrassed to report an incident, you are not alone in this experience, and help and guidance will be given to you every step of the way.
When you report an incident of sexual assault or rape, you will be talking to an officer who has been specially trained in this area. Your statement will be taken and, based on the type of incident experienced, a medical examination may be requested.
Medical examinations are only conducted with your consent, and will be done at Addenbrookes Hospital by doctors. Again depending on the circumstances, your clothing and bed sheets may be requested for analysis.
Whether or not a medical is conducted, you will receive information on victim support.
The person involved in the incident is allowed to have a friend with them for support while they give their statement. The police may ask personal questions but you don not have to answer them if you do not want to. However the more information the police have, the better they will be able to help you.
Reporting Hate CrimeHate crime can be reported in the same way as any other crime you report, however any investigation of hate crime will be overseen by the Hate Crime department who are able to offer the victim extra support. In addition to the three methods of reporting previously mentioned, there is an additional way for someone to report Hate Crime if they are fearful of coming directly to the police: the Open Out Scheme.
The Open Out Scheme is a reporting scheme that allows someone to report hate crime anonymously or without coming directly to the police. Reporting centres are established within communities and allow for individuals an alternative way of reporting hate crime. Reports are forwarded to the Open Out Team and the individual will be contacted to discuss how the incident will be dealt with.
Hate crimes can also be reported on www.report-it.org.uk Alternatively there is an Open Out Information and Advice line you can telephone to discuss the incident or receive information: 01223 823552 or you can contact the Open Out co-ordinator directly at Marie.Mckearney@cambs.pnn.police.uk.