Reporting a Crime

It is in your interests and those of your local community to report any crime to the police. The information you give them, through reporting the crime, can:

- Help to bring the person who committed the crime to justice - This could prevent further crimes and protect others from becoming victims.
- Help your community - all crimes, even those which are less serious crimes with no obvious victims, have a negative effect on our community. Please bear in mind, the criminal justice system can only work effectively with the help of the public.
- Help you - You may also find it has helped you to talk about what has happened and your feelings about it. If the police know of the problem they can help reassure you and advise you on crime prevention matters.
- Help in seeking compensation - If a crime is not reported and you have suffered an injury or there is damage to your property as a result of a crime, you will not be able to apply for compensation from the Compensation Agency.

There are a number of ways of reporting a crime:
- In an emergency, dial 999.
- If you want to remain anonymous dial the Crimestoppers helpline - 0800 555 111.
- For non-urgent matters drop in to your local police station or call the police on 0845 600 8000. Operators will pass your call on to your local police station.
- Online at www.psni.police.uk (for minor and hate related incidents only).
- 3rd party reporting - if you really do not wish to report the crime yourself, then someone else can report it for you.

The police take crime seriously and you can expect to be treated with sensitivity and respect by them. The police work hard to ensure that you are kept informed about what is happening with the investigation into the case and they will also let you know whether there will be a prosecution and court hearing. They will let you know about the support services that are available to you.

You may find it helpful to read some of the frequently asked questions in this section.