What To Do If……………

The police need the support of the community, you are our eyes and ears.

In recent times two things thwart this need.

It seems that there is a growing reluctance to become a witness, to ring the police and report wrongdoing. Go on, make that report, someone may help you one day just when you need it. It is vexing when someone says I heard or saw something but was too frightened to ring. No-one will force you to make a statement, your conscience is your guide. No one is asking you to go and grab hold of an armed robber, but that does not detract from the importance of your help. Remember if you think its wrong it probably is. In many situations all the police need is pointing in the right direction the facts then speak for themselves. We do try to get back to people who call unless a visit or phone call is expressly declined. Please consider that in many situations we do need your assistance, having given the officer your evidence verbally if they then ask if you are prepared to make a statement and you say no it will directly affect what level of action could be taken.

Secondly, is the question of getting through to the police in the first place. Or what number do I ring……. Right lets put this one to bed. 999 is the emergency number, does the situation need an officer there and then, are things going badly, is it an injury RTC, are people squaring up to each other, are the neighbours at war. For anything else then in our area its 01775 722233, yes you will have to wait and take your turn. You may be held in a queue but you will be answered. If it’s just a question or advice you need then drop me an Email its paul.wade@lincs.pnn.police.uk. But do accept I have time off. We DO care about your call it is important to report suspicious vehicles or prowlers don’t wait until the next day. If you feel you are not taken seriously let us know.

Remember if it isn’t reported it cannot be investigated, don’t make the assumption someone will ring make that call yourself.

So what to do if you witness a crime then the answer lies above, subject to the following tips…..

• Be a good witness, obtain and pass as much detail as is possible. For example “They were in a blue car” is ok if that’s as much as you can get however by watching for a few seconds and taking stock of what you see we could get, “There were three men all in their thirties, two were thin, the third shorter and fat. The fat one was wearing a yellow reflective coat with AWA on it. They went off towards Grantham in a blue Vauxhall cavalier registered number F123 ABC. I can’t say what house numbers they called at, put I can point them out to the officer”

• Don’t get involved unless you have to, or the crime is happening to you! There are circumstances when it is necessary to step in and help, but generally it is better to have a competent witness who stood back and observed, once you become involved it becomes more difficult to take in what is going on. Sometimes being obvious and stopping to watch what is going on in the street can diffuse the situation. Avoid violence, although clearly it can be reasonable in certain situations, it is easy to let your intentions exceed your abilities.

Special Constables

The Village Survey 2006 showed almost 80% of you wanted to see a greater police presence in Donington. The recruitment of Special Constables is viewed as the most single important decision taken. Donington has a remarkable tradition of public service with the Community Fire and Rescue Service doing a wonderful job thanks to individuals who give their time and commit themselves to a rigorous training programme. Donington now needs similar individuals to come forward and consider a commitment to The Lincolnshire Police and become Special Constables.
PC Paul Wade will be delighted to talk informally with anyone who wishes to find out more about the job which will make a difference to everyone. Paul explains “We are looking for highly motivated individuals with strong morals, a keen sense of fair play and a good helping of common sense to help support the community and its police. The successful applicants can expect a rewarding challenge and the respect of their peers.” Those appointed will receive training which will enable them to have almost as much authority as the full - time officers.
If you think you may be interested then e-mail Paul at paul.wade@lincs.pnn.police.uk or contact IDEA and we will pass your details to Paul.