Report it properly – North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Networking

Reporting crime is important. Let’s do it properly.

Why does reporting crime matter?

Reporting crime or a concern in your neighbourhood or community is important because it helps to keep people safe and can help to make our communities stronger. When you report something you’ve seen or heard, you’re helping organisations including the Police, the Council or another agency understand what’s happening locally in order for them to take action. It may be that the action they take isn’t visible but that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.

Good reporting is simply about sharing clear, accurate information — what happened, where and when it took place, and who was involved if known.

How to report things well

Make it accurate

What it means: Report only what you saw/heard, without adding assumptions.

Example:

Good: “I saw a man placing a black bag next to the public bin at 14:20.”
Not so good: “He was definitely fly‑tipping — he looked dodgy.”

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Make it complete

What it means: Include all relevant details.

Example:

Good: “Noise disturbance at 22:45 from flat 3B. Loud shouting for 15 minutes. No signs of violence.”
Not so good: “There was noise again.”

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Give clear descriptions of People..

Example:

Good: “Male, approx. 30–40, medium build, 5’10”, wearing a navy hoodie and grey joggers.”
Not so good: “A bloke in sportswear.”

Clear Descriptions of Locations…

Example:

Good: “Bin overflowing next to the alley behind 82 Grimby Road, near the back garden gate.”
Not so good: “The alley somewhere along Grimsby Road.”

and clear Descriptions of Events…

Example:

Good: “Two youths kicked the boarded shopfront three times, then ran towards Freeman Street.”
Not so good: “Kids messing about.”

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Report it promptly

Example:

Good: You submit the report the same evening while details are fresh.
Not so good: Waiting two weeks until you ‘remember to mention it’.

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Provide evidence safely and legally

Example:

Good: Taking a photo of fly‑tipped waste from a safe distance without touching bags.
Not so good: Confronting the person fly‑tipping or going through the waste to find labels.

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Make it clear and concise

Example:

Good: “Group of three males drinking alcohol on a bench in People’s Park on Saturday 11^th July at 11am. Loud shouting and swearing at women walking past but no physical contact observed.”
Not so good: “A group of men were shouting at women, it was awful.”

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Use an objective tone

Example:

Good: “The dog barked continuously from 06:10 to 06:40.”
Not so good: “The dog owners are irresponsible and always cause trouble.”

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Know how and where to report

Example:

Good:
- ASB → Use the NELC/reporting form
- Safeguarding → Follow escalation routes
- Humberside Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress
- Crimestoppers
- To an agency you connect with such as your housing provider
Not so good: Posting the issue on Facebook or another social media platform