Sharing Ring doorbell clips or security camera footage on community apps like Neighbours by Ring has revolutionized local Neighbourhood Watch schemes. With just a few taps, you can alert your entire street to an attempted car theft, a suspicious approach, or doorstep opportunists.
However, there is a critical step that many residents miss: posting on a social app or community feed does NOT automatically report the incident to the police.
Why Reporting to the Police First Matters
In a recent meeting with a local Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT), an officer highlighted a major issue: residents frequently post videos of attempted vehicle thefts or suspicious activity online, yet when officers check the official police records, zero incidents are recorded for that street.
Because the incident was never formally reported to the police, it never became an official crime statistic.
The Consequences of Not Reporting to the Police:
- No Police Investigation: Police officers cannot investigate crimes or review CCTV/Ring footage if an official report hasn't been logged.
- Reduced Patrols & Resources: Police resource allocation and neighbourhood patrol routes depend directly on reported crime statistics. If incidents are only shared on social media apps, the police database shows the area as problem-free, leading to reduced officer presence.
- No CAD / Crime Reference Number: Insurance claims and formal police follow-ups both require an official reference number.
What is a CAD or Crime Reference Number?
When you report an incident in the UK, the police will issue you a reference number:
- CAD Reference Number (Computer Aided Dispatch): Issued when you report an active or recent incident (e.g., calling 101 or reporting online right after an attempted vehicle theft).
- Crime Reference Number: Issued once the incident has been formally classified as a crime by the police.
The Correct Steps: Report First, Share Second
Before uploading your footage or posting a safety alert on Neighbours by Ring, follow this simple checklist:
Step 1: Report to the Police
- In an Emergency (Active Crime in Progress): Call 999 immediately.
- Non-Emergency / Past Incident (e.g., Attempted Car Theft Caught on CCTV): Call 101 or report it online via your local police force's website (e.g., Met Police, Police Scotland, etc.).
Step 2: Obtain Your Crime or CAD Reference Number
When completing your report, ensure you note down the Crime or CAD Reference Number provided by the police operator or online portal.
Step 3: Post on Neighbours by Ring (Including the Reference Number)
When creating your post on the Neighbours app:
- Briefly summarize what happened (e.g., "Attempted vehicle theft caught on Ring camera on [Street Name] at [Time]").
- Attach your video or photo evidence.
- Crucially, include the Crime/CAD Reference Number in your post description.
Why Including the Reference Number in Your Post Helps Your Neighbours
When you include your Crime or CAD Reference Number in your Neighbours post:
- Helps Neighbours Link Footage: If a neighbour’s camera also caught the same suspect or vehicle, they can quote your reference number when submitting their own footage to the police.
- Builds an Evidential Chain: It allows the police to link multiple clips from different cameras along the same street to build a stronger case against offenders.
- Encourages Proper Reporting: It reminds others in your community to log official police reports so your local SNT gets an accurate picture of crime in your area.
Summary
Community apps like Neighbours by Ring are invaluable tools for raising local awareness, but they are a companion to—not a replacement for—official policing.
Next time your camera catches an attempted vehicle theft or suspicious behavior: Report it to the police first, get your CAD or Crime Reference Number, and then share it on Neighbours!
