Becoming a victim of any kind of crime – or witnessing it – can be a traumatic experience. But many people are not sure what they should do. Here’s some advice we hope you will find useful if you’re ever in that unfortunate situation:

Who to call and when to call them

Call 999 if you witness a crime, or suspect that a crime has been, or is about to be committed, and would like to police to attend immediately.

Call 0116 222 2222 if you need to report an incident to the police, but do not require an immediate response.

Call 0800 555 111 to contact Crimestoppers, and would like to give the police information about any crime, for example: drug dealing, car crime, handling stolen goods. You do not have to give your name.

Details the police will need to be fully effective

1. An exact description of what you have seen, including:

• Time
• Date
• Place

2. A description of the people involved, including:

• Male / female
• Age
• Height
• Hair
• Clothing
• Direction of travel

3. A description on any vehicle involved, including:

• Make
• Model
• Colour
• Type (saloon, estate, van, motor bike, etc.)
• Additional details (roof rack, wheel trims, stripest, ect.)
• Registration number (even part of the number will help)
• Direction of travel