How to anonymously report something to the police?

[SofiaAmes]

I have recently been made aware 3rd hand of two different (and unrelated) situations that in the near future could result in something much more serious (ie guns/drugs/lives at stake). I think the only way to stop things is for the police to get involved and arrest the guilty parties. However, I do not want to get myself involved as it could result in endangering me and my family (the guilty parties know who I am and where I live). How do I point the police in the right direction anonymously? If I just call up and leave a few details with my local police station (neither situation is local to me) will they take me seriously and pass the info. on the the right people?

sofia, yes, I think they will and I think they're probably quite understanding if you don't want to leave your details or have any involvement. Isn't there a crimestoppers initiative for this reason? I think so, will see if I can find anything for you.

The Crimestoppers site is here

My partner suggests:

Anonymous phone calls (x2) to the local police Station- their local not yours- second one should contain warning you are about to pass on information to the local paper. Then, regardless of Police response, pass info on (anonymously) to the local paper, informing them that you have provided this information to the local police on 'several occasions'.

Then wait.

If this fails, and said unfortunate event is still expected to occur, write to the Chief Constable or Chief Inspector of your region and ask why nothing has happened, despite your provision of information.

I think bossykate's sister is in the police so she might know...

But do 141 first - they can see your number when you ring up...(a neighbour of ours is in the local police and when I rang about something he answered the phone and knew it was me before I spoke - maybe they even get a name and address to go with the phone number!!!)

Use a phone box

Definitely endorse the make-a-few-calls bit. Work for a Law Enforcement agency and used to get loads of anon calls - far too many to deal with tbh. However, if this is the 2nd or 3rd call, more attention likely to be paid to it.

thanks guys, as usual mumsnet to the rescue! Crimestoppers sounds like a good place to start. And I have permanent caller id blocking on my phone, but I would call from a payphone anyway...if I can remember how to use one..

I'm not sure but I think the police switchboards can over-ride the 141 thing on the phone. Using a call box would be your only real guarantee of anonymity.