VICTIMS of crime could contact police through social media or online rather than the phone or in person in options being considered by Cheshire Police.

The forces has launched a survey asking residents if they would be happy to report non-emergency crimes or road accidents online or by social media such as Whatsapp rather than over the phone or at a police station.

Warrington Guardian:

A screengrab of the survey

At the moment, police can be contacted in a non-emergency by calling 101 (the police non-emergency number), visiting an enquiry desk at a local police station, speaking to an officer in person at a police surgery or contacting a named officer via the Cheshire Police website.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Ngaire Waine said: “We are all now living in a world where we are rapidly becoming more and more reliant on technology and having to adapt to the many daily tasks we do. As we let more technology into our lives, it is changing the way we keep in touch with each other and the way we access our goods and services.

“With this in mind, we’re keen to hear from as many Cheshire residents as possible to find out how they are now using new technology and whether they would like us to make it more available for accessing police services.

Warrington Guardian:

Would you be happy to go online to report a crime?

“The information will be used to help shape and improve how our residents can access police services in non-emergencies situations in the future, and how we can improve our contact with them.

“It is important to point out that the results of this survey will in in no way effect our 999 service and people should always dial 999 where there is a threat to life or a crime is in progress.”

The Public Contact Survey can be accessed online by visiting snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=155066340512

The deadline for completing the survey is Wednesday, March 20.