Victims and witnesses

If you've been the victim of, or witness to, a crime, you have the choice whether or not to report it to the police. We would like all crimes to be reported.

It's important to report a crime because if you don't, we will not be aware of the situation and will be unable to take any action. If you do report it, it means that the person who committed the crime is more likely to be caught and be prevented from doing the same thing to someone else. Even if we can't catch the people responsible this time, the information may prove invaluable in the future.

It is up to you to decide if you want to give a witness statement to the police, but once you have made a statement, you can be called by either the prosecution or the defence to give your evidence if the case goes to court. Many cases are dealt with without the need for you to give evidence in court, but if it is necessary, there are people who can help and support you through the process.