Incidents & Issues that may affect you
Who to report to in the event of problems
Last updated April 2022
Anti-social behaviour and crime
It’s a Numbers Game!
Advice from Cllrs. Tony O’Neill and Bryan Dion (Penn Hill Ward), April 2022
All too often we hear residents say “I didn’t report it because I was aware that my neighbour had”!
Unfortunately this does not work if you want to receive police or other agencies support.
It is important that all incidents, even though the same incident, are reported multiple times. In their allocation of resources to a given area of crime or the incidents of crime the authorities look at the number of reports received – it is called ‘evidence based reporting’, which information is used in the allocation of the resources available.
Fact: The more reports received the more police and other agency resources are allocated in response.
Before confirming best ways to report we would highlight the following important information for note:
- Serious crime or life in danger always dial 999 with as much evidence as is possible to safely gather – however, do not delay the call as time is of the essence.
- When gathering evidence/information the following information is of value and is also to be recommended for the reporting of all Anti-Social Behaviour [ASB].
Record the location of the incident, date and time. Note all of those involved including the following – male, female, rough age/ages, hair, eye and skin colour; dress style and how dressed, stand out logos or brands, type and colour of shoes worn, distinguishing marks or hairstyles, gait, any names if overheard, dialect. If vehicles are involved – type/make, number plate, colour, distinguishing marks etc. If persons rapidly depart the scene their direction of travel. If safe to do so capture and retain any pictures that may help identify those involved even if gathered from afar as technology may support their enlargement.
- In gathering evidence never, ever place yourself in danger. Leave any and all risk to the professionals. A little evidence is better than a fuller capture that results in injury or worse.
Advised reporting:
Serious crime, crime in progress or a life in danger always 999
Other crime e.g. ASB [Anti-Social Behaviour]
Apart from the reporting of ALL incidents to the police please note the importance of sharing the same information with the following council safety and security teams who have resources available:
We would not recommend the phoning of 101 as this route is often very busy and may prove to be unduly frustrating.
We hope that this information proves to be of value to you.
Street & beach cleansing issues
For example, overflowing bins
Call BCP Council on 01202 123 123 during office hours.
Other beach issues
For example, illegal camping – but not clean-up, see Street & beach cleaning above
Call the Beach Rangers at Sandbanks Beach Office on 01202 123 555 (not 24/7, office hours vary)
Or email the operations centre to report: operationscentre@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Out of hours T: 0800 506050
Illegal parking issues
For example, vehicles parked on double yellow lines or other parking enforcement/restriction issues
Call 01202 262154 – 7 days a week (the number is ‘manned’ between 8am to 6pm )
Or try their office number in normal hours: 01202 633285
Email anytime: parkingadministration@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
For inconsiderate parking/highway obstruction, call Dorset Police on 101 with details
Environmental issues
For example, noise nuisance or bonfires
During office hours call 01202 123 123
During extended hours (9am-5pm Sat, 8pm-2am Mon-Fri) call 0800 506050
Or email anytime environment@poole.gov.uk
If you see fly-tipping please report it to community.enforcement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Harbour related issues
For example, speeding boats, dangerous or noisy jet ski incidents
You can report these type of water related incidents to Poole Harbour Control via Channel 14 or phone 01202 440230 or email harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk
Flooding
Flash and other flooding to roads and properties caused by heavy rainfall, blocked gullies etc
BCP Council
If you can’t find the information you need here, or we have an incorrect number listed, then please call BCP Council on 01202 123 456.
Out of Hours
Reporting any incident issue or problem
BCP Council 24-hour Emergency Control Centre
Hot Line: 0800 506050
Email: operationscentre@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
NB: BCP Council does not operate an emergency response team, so this is not the right number/email if you need immediate action. Every call/email is logged, and details are reported to the correct department for action.