Making The Right Call
JOY Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington met with the Home
Secretary Yvette Cooper recently to discuss the roll out of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee
across the force area.
At the heart of that guarantee is a simple but important message – ‘your police service is here for
you’. However, far too many people are unsure of the best way to report crime and anti-social
behaviour.
Here, she explains in her own words how getting it right helps the police to respond quickly and
keeps emergency lines free for those in danger:
Knowing When to Ring 999, 101 – and Other Ways to Report Crime
The Chief Constable and I were pleased to welcome the Home Secretary to Durham to discuss the
roll- out of the much-anticipated Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This initiative will ensure that
every community in the Force area will benefit from dedicated and accessible neighbourhood
officers, visible patrols, and easier ways to raise concerns.
At the heart of the guarantee is a simple but important message: “your police service is here for
you”.
But: should you dial 999, call 101, report online, or go to Crimestoppers?
Getting it right helps officers to respond quickly, keeps emergency lines free for those in danger, and
ensures your concern reaches the right team.
When to Call 999
The 999 number is for emergencies only. You should dial 999 straight away if:
A crime is happening right now
Someone is in immediate danger
There is a risk of serious injury or threat to life
A suspect is nearby or making off
You witness dangerous driving or a serious collision
Using 999 correctly allows the police to prioritise incidents where every second counts.
When to Call 101
For all non-emergency situations, 101 is the right number. This includes:
Reporting a crime or anti-social behaviour after it has happened, such as theft or damage
and illegally driven off road motorbikes that have left the immediate area.
Passing on information and intelligence about crime or anti-social behaviour
By using 101 for less serious matters, you help keep the emergency lines free.
Online and Webchat Reporting
As Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner she has invested a significant amount of money to
improve the Force’s response to 101 and 999 calls. For those wishing to report crime and anti-social
behaviour via the Durham Constabulary website there is anew online reporting tool which allows
you to log details of incidents at a time convenient to you, without waiting on the phone.
For those who prefer real-time support, webchat services connect you directly with police staff via
your computer or smartphone. This can be especially helpful for people who may struggle with
phone calls or who want a written record of advice.
Crimestoppers – Stay 100% Anonymous
Not everyone feels comfortable speaking directly to the police. If you have information about crime
but want to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online at
https://crimestoppers-uk.org .
They will never ask for your name, and calls cannot be traced. Every year, vital information passed
100% anonymously through Crimestoppers and this valuable information helps our police take
dangerous people off our streets.
Local Engagement – PACT Meetings and Police.uk
You can find out when your next Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting is being held, and
who your dedicated neighbourhood officers are, by visiting https://www.police.uk .
PACT meetings are a chance to raise local concerns face-to-face – whether it’s anti-social behaviour,
speeding, or community safety issues.
Building Safer Communities Together
Knowing when and how to contact the police is part of that. Whether it’s a life-or-death emergency,
a concern about nuisance behaviour, or a suspicion you’d rather share anonymously, there is always
a route to report it.
By using the right channel, you help the police respond more effectively, keep our communities safe,
and ensure resources go where they are needed most.
