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.

Reporting crime

In an emergency call 999. Our 999 call handlers strive to answer all calls within 10 seconds. Dial 999 if:

For non-urgent calls, ring 101. Using 999 for general enquiries may delay response to someone who needs urgent assistance.

Further information about reporting a crime.

Our commitment to you

Cheshire Police and our criminal justice partners are committed to providing victims and witnesses of crime with the best possible service at all times.

These pages will outline how we will treat you as a victim of crime and the level of service you will receive, including our commitments under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. We have also provided pages which give you information about what to expect if you are a witness, as well as links to useful advice and other organisations that can assist you.

Information for victims

What happens after you contact the police?

What happens if your case goes to court?

Advice and support for victims

Your rights

Information for witnesses

Being a witness - what does it mean?

Help and information about giving evidence

Where will you give evidence?

Who's in the court room?

What happens before court?

Going to court (expenses, travel, and friends and relatives)

What happens when in court?

After the trial

Child witnesses