You've Witnessed a Crime, So What Now?

• DO NOT confront the offender/s



• Make quick notes on what you’ve seen
  Take notes on the date, time, place, number of people involved, age, sex, height, build, clothing and identifiable features. Note details of vehicles involved such as rego number, make, colour and direction of travel. If possible, use a NHW Suspect Description Form.



• Phone the Police immediately
  Identify yourself. Reporting can be anonymous but carries more weight if you identify yourself. Give a good description of the offender/s. Every bit helps and the more you can tell the better chance the offender will be caught, charged and convicted.



• What happens to this information?
  It is categorised and dealt with accordingly: Urgent; Important; Routine; Information Only.



• You may be asked to make a statement!
  Take the time to do this as offenders faced with a witness statement often realise that they can’t get away with their crime and admit their guilt.



• What happens if they don’t admit their guilt, and the case goes to court?
  You may be asked to be a witness in court. Witness evidence can be vital for a conviction, and every conviction is a deterrent to would-be offenders.