Online crime reporting for Wiltshire

For many people using the Internet is the main way that they communicate with public services. This has now been extended to include the reporting of certain types of crime.

Wiltshire Police have created special pages on their website that allows a theft, criminal damage, theft from a vehicle and hate crimes to be reported.

With recent research indicating that Internet access is now available in 60 % of households in the area, Wiltshire are keen to encourage more people to use the online form to report crime. Having received an online notification of an offence, operators from the force crime desk will make telephone contact with the member of the public reporting to confirm and clarify the details. The offence will then be allocated to a police officer if further avenues of enquiry are available.

Chief Inspector Jon Tapper of Wiltshire Police commented: “This is a really efficient and effective method of reporting crime and a useful alternative to more traditional methods for those who prefer to use online systems – it provides a very comprehensive account of what has happened which then enables our staff to initiate further enquiries and offer advice depending on the incident. It also enables the police to improve the overall service provided to members of the public. It is being used at present; we would just like more people to be aware of the facility and to actively consider it as a first option.”