How to contact the police in Scotland?
How to contact the police in Scotland?
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Discussion

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
Without going in to any details online, I've been advised to speak to the police about what might be described as a possible vehicle theft (it's slightly complicated).

Is it possible to just pop in to a local police station and pour out my sorry tale to a sympathetic ear, or will I have to phone 101 and try to navigate my way to a specific department in order to set things in motion?

anonymous-user

83 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
Surely just find a station which has a front desk (they used to have those in England once upon a time, maybe in Scotland they still do?), pop in and ask to discuss/report a crime.

If the (civvy?) desk bod isn't sure I presume there'll be a duty officer available, or something along those lines?

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 15th February 17:54

matchmaker

9,036 posts

229 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
Your biggest problem nowadays is actually finding a police station. Many have closed.

TTmonkey

20,911 posts

276 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
If you call them and give your address they will pop around and see you.








Just needs you to say you got a gun and a hostage.

Rozzers

3,052 posts

104 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
By phone – 101 for non-emergencies (+44 (0) 141 308 1070 from outside Scotland).

You can’t phone the stations direct anymore, but the bigger ones still have enquiry desks, staffed by a civilian in most cases.

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Tuesday 15th February 2022
quotequote all
Thanks very much. I'll try a couple of the local police stations first and see what they say.

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks very much, but it's actually me who wants to report what's happened, so it would be opening a new case. I'm just not sure if the police will be able help, so I'd prefer to run the details past them first and ask for some advice. I thought it this might be easier done face-to-face rather than trying to explain things on a helpline.

Drawweight

3,589 posts

145 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
quotequote all

Our local police station (smallish town) has a desk that’s open weekdays, closed for lunch. Normally manned by the same guy but to be honest I don’t even know if he’s police or a civilian but there’s always police wandering about.

Give your local office a go but as above they are no longer open 24/7.

The big yin

298 posts

70 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
quotequote all
I would go onto Police Scotland website and send them details by e mail , It works as I have done it twice and they got in touch both times , It will be quicker than 101 as I waited 35 mins one day then gave up as no answer .
Good Luck.

The big yin

298 posts

70 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
quotequote all
I would go onto Police Scotland website and send them details by e mail , It works as I have done it twice and they got in touch both times , It will be quicker than 101 as I waited 35 mins one day then gave up as no answer .
Good Luck.

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
quotequote all
The big yin said:
I would go onto Police Scotland website and send them details by e mail , It works as I have done it twice and they got in touch both times , It will be quicker than 101 as I waited 35 mins one day then gave up as no answer .
Good Luck.
Thanks very much. I didn't see that was an option when I looked the other day, but I see you can complete an online form. I'll do that tonight, as it's probably easier to write down the salient points.

Dimebars

1,078 posts

123 months

Thursday 17th February 2022
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First thing to do is post on facebook about a mythical party at the First Minister's address

The Police will then come to you in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, for anything else in Scotland, you will be waiting a while

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Thursday 17th February 2022
quotequote all
I filled out the contact form last night, and received a reply 50 minutes later - and I didn't mention a party!

However, they simply asked a couple of questions, and I'm not sure what the outcome will be, or if they'll do anything on my behalf.

sospan

2,755 posts

251 months

Friday 18th February 2022
quotequote all
Simple option is phone 101.
If you look online in your local force’s website you can find other options for contact as well.
Give simple details of evidence and sums involved so an initial assessment can be made. You can also request direct contact.

ph9

Original Poster:

223 posts

123 months

Friday 18th February 2022
quotequote all
I'm not sure the police will be able to help (it could be a civil matter), so I'll maybe ask on the forum at some point. However, a close family member is critically ill at present, and I just don't feel up to the usual critical forum comments - not that I've done anything wrong, but people often criticise daft decisions or lack of action etc. Otherwise, I could maybe send a PM.