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What to do

If you've seen a crime taking place or have some information for the police that you think may be useful, then you should report it straight away. Your information could lead to someone's stolen belongings being returned to them, or it may stop a similar thing happening to other people in your area.

Unless you can see the crime happening in front of you, don't call 999. Instead, contact your local police station either by telephone or in person. You may also want to call Crimestoppers if you don't want to reveal your identity. Their number is 0845 555 111.

Even if you've seen someone spraying graffiti or vandalising a local park or playground, you should tell the police. Even though there wasn't a victim who was hurt, the police may be able to use any information you give them to stop your local facilities and the personal property of others being damaged.

• Crimestoppers Opens new window
• Reporting a crime

How the police will use your information

Once you've given your statement to the police, the information will be used to try and track down the people who committed the crime.

Don't be concerned if you don't hear anything else from the police for a long time. Some investigations take months and your statement is often all the police will need from you.  

If someone is charged with the crime, you may be asked to give evidence at court. This means that you'll have to go through your statement again, and then answer questions from both the prosecution and the defence.

• Going to court

Identity parades

If you gave a detailed description of the person that you saw committing a crime when you gave your statement, you may be asked to go to an identity parade.

You'll be asked to pick out the person that you saw from a number of people from behind a one-way mirror, or you may be shown a number of images on a computer.

None of the people in the line-up, including the suspect, will be able to see you or be allowed to ask about who you are or where you live.

The Witness Service

Witnessing a crime can be an unnerving experience, especially if you saw a violent crime. If you're worried or scared about what you saw, or nervous about having to give evidence in court, you can talk to the Witness Service, an organisation run by Victim Support. You can call them on 0845 30 30 900.

As well as victims themselves, Victim Support can also help you if you've witnessed a crime taking place. They'll be able to provide you with someone to talk to in confidence about how you're feeling.

If you just feel a bit nervous about going to court and would like a look around the court before the trial starts, they can arrange that too. They are on hand to give you personal support, and if you wanted, they may even be able to go into the courtroom with you on the actual day.

• The Witness Service Opens new window
• Are you OK? - a website for young victims of crime Opens new window
• Get more help if you're attending court as a witness Opens new window
• Get more help if you're attending court as a victim Opens new window