VICTIMS can now report crimes to police from the comfort of their homes, through their computer.

Police have launched an online crime reporting function via a Thames Valley Police website for minor incidents and non-emergencies.

By the end of January police hope victims will also be able to report some crimes via a text message from their mobile phone or by email.

Chief Superintendent Liam Macdougall, head of the control room at Thames Valley Police, said the system gave the public flexibility in reporting crimes. He said it was not designed for major crime or emergencies.

He added: “It opens us up a whole new channel of communication, where the public choose their preferred method of contact with us.

“It also means that some sections of the community who may have communication difficulties will now find they can contact us and get help when they need it.”

The online reporting service can be found on the websirte’s navigation bar at thamesvalley.police.uk Victims fill in a form listing details of the crime which appears on the screen of a call-handler who forwards details to the appropriate department or neighbourhood team.

A filter system is in place to alert police if the report is an emergency.

Mr Macdougall said: “It is important that the public realise, this system should not be used if there is any urgency.

“If people are in any doubt, we would rather they called 999 or the non-emergency number.”

Ex-policeman Mike Knibbs, now chairman of Villier’s Watch Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Anything that encourages people to contact police with crime or intelligence is a good thing.

“But a lot of older people don’t have access to computers.

“Although some idiots do abuse the 999 system, I think most people are able to decide what is an emergency and what isn’t – and would know which incidents would therefore be appropriate to report online.”

l Have you tried the police’s new online crime reporting service?

Did you find it helpful? Contact Oxford Mail Crime Reporter Matt Wilkinson on 01865 425500 or email him at: matt.wilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk