New police team makes reporting crime easier

Police in Wigan have introduced a new system to make it more efficient to report non-emergency crimes and allow officers to provide a speedier response to more serious incidents.

People who do not need urgent police action will be contacted by the Public Service Team to arrange for an officer to call at a time that is convenient to them. This means they do not have to stay in to wait for officers who may have been diverted to more urgent incidents.

It also means that officers can deal with reports of non-emergency crimes during times when they are less likely to be dealing with urgent incidents.

Wigan’s Public Service Team consists of three sergeants and 21 constables, and deals with most non-emergency calls to the division. Based in Wigan, the team is able to use local knowledge to deal more effectively with reports of criminal activity and can deal with many incidents over the phone.

Sergeant Ian Withers, project manager for Wigan Division’s Public Service Team, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible service to the public, and this new style of police response recognises that residents lead busy lives and it may be inconvenient for people to wait in for an officer to take a report of a crime.

“Victims of non-emergency incidents who contact police will be called back within two hours to arrange a scheduled appointment where they can meet with an officer to discuss the matter.”

For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call 0161 872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk (external link)

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or crime in progress.

For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Divisional Communications Officer for Wigan, on 0161 856 7263 / 2284 or 07979 706797