Online ‘crime tracker’ goes live

Online systems are now live in West Yorkshire that allow victims of crime to securely make a report and track its progress.

Local Crime Tracker offers an alternative option to calling the non-emergency number 101 and is available on the homepage of the West Yorkshire Police website. A red button allows victims to report a crime and a green button enables them to track it.

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom explained: “The use of technology continues to open up new possibilities and provide the best possible service to our communities. The Local Crime Tracker keeps the victim updated with a status of the crime and details of the officer dealing with their case.

“It is a tool designed to handle non-emergencies inquiries only and is not an alternative to the 999 number, which is used for crimes or incidents that are currently taking place.”

Victims receive a crime reference number that can be used to monitor the crime directly through the force website 24 hours a day.

“In addition, there is also a function that enables them to leave the officer a written message,” said Mr Milsom. “Not only will this provide the public with more options to contact the police, but it will help to ease pressure on calls coming in on the 101 number.

“There are currently up to 100 calls a day received from people checking for updates on their crime, which average around five minutes in duration.

“The Local Crime Tracker will therefore reduce the potential for this scenario and ensure members of the public receive a quicker response overall.

“It builds upon the success we have already achieved during the past year, particularly with the introduction of ‘live chat’ in April, which allows [the public] to communicate directly with the police. It has also seen our online contact options break the 20,000 mark in terms of interactions with the public during 2014.”

West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson added: “The new Local Crime Tracker should bring down call waiting times for the 101 number while ensuring victims are supported and kept up to date regarding their crime status.”