Wednesday 30 January 2008

Reporting a crime is not just about statistics.  It helps the police to evaluate services in the area and decide what is needed. More importantly, reporting a crime could give the police essential information to help them solve that crime or other similar crimes and prevent the same thing happening to someone else.

 

Crimes should be reported as soon as possible in the following ways:

 

In an EMERGENCY you should dial 999 when:

• There is a danger to life or a risk of injury being caused, such as a serious road accident or assault
• A crime is in progress, such as a robbery, burglary or theft, and the offender is still at the scene or has only just left the area.
• The immediate attendance of police officer is necessary.

 

Non-Urgent Crimes

Non-emergency minor crimes can be reported by phoning the central switchboard number on 0161 872 5050.

 

Call into a Police Station

Call into a Police Station and speak to a member of staff on duty who will take down details of the crime.

 

The nearest Police Stations are:

Pendleton Police Station                     Open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday

Meyrick Road                                     Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

Salford

M6 5JA

 

Bootle Street Police Station                Open 24 hours all year

Manchester

M2 5GU

 

Tips and Advice

• Lock the doors, windows, boot and sunroof every time you leave the car – however briefly.

 

• Take the ignition key out even when the car is parked in your drive or garage. And always set the immobiliser. Follow this routine even when filling up with petrol or just popping into the newsagents.

 

• Always use a steering lock and other security devices if you have them.

 

• Don’t leave valuables and other possessions on display. That old coat on the back seat may be worthless, but the thief won’t know that. He may break in to see if you’ve left any money or cards in the pocket.

 

• Remember the cost of replacing a broken window is often far more than the value of goods stolen.

 

• If you can, take your belongings with you. If you can’t, lock everything out of sight in the boot. In particular never leave the following anywhere in your car:
• • cheque, credit and debit cards
  • driving documents and personal correspondence (they could help a thief to sell your car or provide a cover story if stopped by the police)
  • mobile phones  -  40% of car break-ins involve the theft of a mobile phone
  • Radio / cassette players. Always remove these if you can.  All equipment should be marked both visibly and permanently with the vehicle registration number.
  • Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place
  • Etching  -  Arrange to have the vehicle registration number etched on to all glass surfaces – including the side windows and headlamps. You may also arrange to have the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched in this way, but check with the manufacturer first.
  • Aerial  -  When parking, retract your aerial down to stop it being vandalized
  • Driving  -  Keep valuables out of sight and consider keeping all the doors locked and the windows closed.  Thieves have stolen handbags and other valuables by opening car doors or even breaking windows while cars are stationary at traffic lights or held up in slow moving traffic.
  • Watch out for strangers showing interest in your car or your neighbour’s car. They may be thinking of stealing it, rather than admiring it! If they look suspicious, call the police straight away.

 

Please report ALL crimes to the police, no matter how insignificant you think they are.

 

Further information can also be obtained by viewing the Community Safety Unit web page regarding car crime on www.salford.gov.uk/wicked