Reporting crime and anti-social behaviour is vital because it helps build a clear picture of what is happening in an area.
We understand that people experiencing ASB often feel frustrated or worried when the police do not immediately attend.
However, every single report made to the police is logged, even when an urgent response is not required.
What reporting does
- every report is recorded and contributes to local intelligence
- helps the police identify patterns, hotspots and repeat locations
- supports decision-making about patrols, investigations and problem-solving
- ensures issues do not remain hidden even if they seem minor
What reporting does not mean
- it does not always result in an immediate police attendance
- it does not guarantee a visible response straight away
Importantly however that does not mean your concern is unimportant and that you should not report it - you should.
How police prioritise incidents
Police resources are limited, so they must respond first to situations where there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm. for example emergencies such as domestic abuse happening right now, threats to life or violence in progress will always take priority.
Lower-risk incidents like anitsocial behaviour, minor damage or items thrown into a garden may not need an immediate response, but should still be reported
Why reporting matters even when the police do not attend straight away
- it allows neighbourhood policing teams to understand what is happening over time
- repeated reports about the same person or location can trigger follow-up action or a problem solving approach to an issue - where the police work with other local agencies to tackle recurring issues
- without reports, the police may not direct resources to your area simply because they do not know there is a problem
- every report, no matter how small, helps build a clearer and more accurate picture of local issues
If you do not report
When problems are not reported, they remain unseen. this means the police may direct their attention elsewhere because they prioritise areas where concerns are clearly recorded. reporting is key to making sure your area receives the attention it needs.
How to report
- In an emergency always call 999
- If it is not an emergency call 101 or visit the Staffordshrie Police website.
Practical tips
- keep brief notes of dates, times and descriptions of incidents
- only take photos or video if it is safe and legal to do so
- report every incident so a full record can be built
- consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch group
Reporting is essential, even if a police officer does not attend immediately, your reports still matter and still influence what action is taken in the longer term.