Reporting Crime
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Crime in Cambridge
Should you need to report a crime during your time at Cambridge, there are a number of ways of doing so, and several details the police will need to obtain from you. It is possible to report a crime sometime after the incident has occurred so do not be put off if you feel unable to approach the Police straight away.
In an emergency always call 999, whether you are directly involved or witnessing a situation.
If you call 999, you will be asked a number of questions by the call taker so try to remain calm. If it's safe to do so, remain where you made the call (e.g. near the phone box) and await the Police.
If you have not witnessed the crime but discover it some time later, or if you do not feel able to report the crime immediately, there are a number of ways of contacting the police:
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By Phone: 01223 358966. You will be asked what your call is regarding and the call taker should direct your call either to Control Room (if a police presence is required) or to the Crime Management Unit.
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In Person at Parkside Police Station from 7am - 2am. When reporting a crime you can be accompanied by a friend, partner, CUSU sabbatical or representative from Victim Support.
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Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity which allows people to provide information about crimes that affect them. You can call Crimestoppers from anywhere in the UK and report a crime anonymously, so know one will even know that you have made the call. Calls are not traced and you will not be asked to make a written statement.
When reporting any crime to the Police you will be asked for personal details that you may feel are irrelevant. These include your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone Numbers
- Occupation
- Time and location of the crime
- Witness details
In the event of a burglary occurring try not touch anything if possible until Police and Scenes of Crimes Officers attend. You should also notify your college Porters.
If property has been stolen as a result you will asked for the Make, Model, Serial Number, Colour and Frame number (for cycles). Loads of people do not record this information, so make a note of it if you have not already done so. The more detailed a description you can provide, the more likely that the item can be returned to you if recovered.
Sexual Assault
The Cambridgeshire Police force have specially trained police officers to deal with crimes of sexual violence. When someone contacts the police to report a sexual assault, the duty police officer will call out a specially trained officer who will then carry out the investigation.
At the police station, the person reporting the attack will be interviewed (and a statement will be produced) and a medical examination performed.
The woman or man involved has the right to have a friend with them while giving a statement. The police may ask personal questions, but no one should feel that they have to answer these if they are unable to do so.
A detailed examination is performed to obtain evidence, and if a woman reports the crime a female police officer will be present. The medical examination does not include pregnancy testing or testing for any sexually transmitted disease. These tests can be carried out at the fpa clinic or Clinic 1A at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
Reporting Homophobic Crime
Homophobia is a hatred or fear shown towards someone due to their sexuality or perceived sexuality. Through the Open Out scheme you can report any sort of hate crime to the police. Contact the CUSU Welfare Officer for more details.
Useful contacts
Parkside Police Station
Parkside
Cambridge CB3 1JG
Tel: 01223 358966
Type Talk: 0800 515152
Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
12 Mill Road
Cambridge
Tel: 01223 245888
(Mon and Wednesday 6:30 - 9:30 pm)
Tel: 0115 900 3563 (national phoneline)
Web: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Provides confidential support for women who have experienced sexual assault. Volunteers will also accompany people when reporting a crime if wanted.
Cambridge Victim Support
The Bath House
Gwydir Street
Cambridge
Tel: 01223 329000
Tel: 0845 30 30 900 (national phoneline)
Free information and advice, whether or not you want to report a crime to the Police.