'In an emergency call 999, for everything else start online' says Swindon Police

Swindon Police are reminding members of the public to call 999 for all emergencies, but for other reports, to start on its website.

The force says for many people the school holidays mean some well-deserved time off, a break from school and possibly some time to get away.

Swindon Police say that they are likely to see a spike in demand and increases in calls for our service around this time.

The force adds that it will likely mean an increase in anti-social behaviour, cold calling and incidents linked to excess alcohol, violence and domestic abuse.

A spokesperson for Swindon Police said: "On average we receive over 107,000 999 calls and 270,000 101 calls each year. For some of these calls, 999 was not the right method of contacting us, and in some cases the online reporting forms on the website could have been used instead of calling 101."

The Wiltshire Police website now has several different options where people can report a crime.

Last summer the force asked the public the question 'Do you click or do you call?' In an emergency, the police always ask that individuals dial 999, but for non-emergency reports of crime or if a person needs to find information, officers ask that they consider making a report or finding the information they need by using the police website.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Minty said: "Since 2019 we have been continuously developing our website as part of the national Single Online Home programme, and I’m really pleased to say that along with lots of advice and guidance there are now over 30 services online including reporting crimes, anti-social behaviour, road traffic incidents, domestic abuse, fraud, corruption and many more.

“In an emergency and when a crime is in progress, we still ask that you call 999, but for non-urgent reports you can use 101 or the reporting tools on the website.

“Online reports work in the same way as a 101 call, coming through to trained Contact Management Operators who deal with the report.

“Remember - In an emergency call 999, for everything else start online.”

This week is also National Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) week, and for the force, it is the start of its summer campaign to highlight and tackle anti-social behaviour across its communities.

Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading anti-social behaviour (ASB) and community safety organisation, the national ASB campaign aims to encourage communities to highlight ASB and actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

Anti-social behaviour comes in many forms. The police say it can have long lasting, devasting effects on people’s lives.

It can include in the moment, careless, inconsiderate behaviour, or behaviour deliberately hoping to cause harm and distress.

Throughout the National Anti-Social Behaviour week and across the summer, the police will be sharing stories and showcasing the action that is being taken across its Community Policing Teams (CPTs) areas to tackle this crime.

Members of the public will also see targeted patrols and days of actions from the force's CPTs as they work within its communities to resolve the issues that are most important to them.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Minty said: “We know that antisocial behaviour can have a massive impact on those who experience it.

“We see more anti-social behaviour during the summer months, when the weather is better, the day is lighter for longer and people spend more time outdoors. 

“A lot of the time anti-social behaviour is caused by people not thinking about how their actions might be received or perceived by others.  

“It may have a financial or psychological impact, leaving people out of pocket or feeling scared to be in their own homes.

“I appreciate that people are enjoying the summer, and we want you to make the most of it whether that is spending time at home or in the community. But we all need to be thoughtful, respectful and considerate in our behaviour.

“Consider your actions from the points of view of others and try to understand how your behaviours can have an immediate and long-term impact.

“Then consider what you could do to change it.”  

Individuals can report antisocial behaviour to their local authority, their social housing landlord or to the police using the online reporting form on the website.  

The information people provide helps the force to build a better picture of an incident or ongoing issue and together with partners steps can be taken to resolve it. 

A spokesperson for the police said: "Help us to reduce the demand placed upon our Contact Management Centre this summer. Think Click or Call.

"In an emergency always call 999, but for everything else start online."