Kent Police warns public not to report crimes through social media

According to Kent Police’s published social-media community guidelines, its accounts are not monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and reports submitted through those channels may not receive an immediate or appropriate response. Its victim and witness service guidance also states that social-media channels are not used as a direct contact method for reporting crime.

Kent Police directs those wishing to report a non-emergency crime to its online reporting service or the 101 telephone service. The online service sends reports directly to its control room, where they are reviewed by the same team that answers calls. A live chat service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for reporting crime or obtaining advice. Reports may also be made in person at a police station or through a third party.

Anyone witnessing a crime in progress, facing an immediate threat to life or requiring urgent police assistance should call 999.

Crimestoppers provides an anonymous reporting route by telephone on 0800 555 111 or through its online service, for those who do not wish to contact police directly.

Key information

• Emergencies: Call 999 for a crime in progress, an immediate threat to life or any situation requiring urgent police assistance.
• Non-emergencies: Report online via Kent Police’s online reporting service, or call 101.
• Live chat: Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at Kent Police’s website.
• Anonymous reporting: Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or through its online service.