When it comes to community safety, every piece of information counts. Whether you witness a serious incident or just notice something that seems a little off, contacting the Police can make a real difference. Even if you think what you saw isn’t important, it might be the missing piece in a larger puzzle.
A Real-Life Example: Trusting Your Instincts
Recently, a community member noticed a man entering her neighbour’s property. The house was unoccupied at the time because the neighbour was in the process of moving. The woman hesitated - she didn’t have the car’s registration number, just a description of the vehicle and the man. She wondered if it was worth calling the Police.
Thankfully, she did.
Despite not having the license plate, the Police recognized the description of the man and the vehicle. Because she made the call, they were able to respond immediately. Her small piece of information turned out to be crucial.
Why You Should Always Report Crime:
1. You Don’t Need the Full Picture
You don’t have to witness a crime in progress or have all the details. Any information a person description, a time of day, or even a gut feeling can help authorities connect the dots.
2. Police May Already Have Context
The Police often has background information the public doesn’t. What seems minor to you might be part of an ongoing investigation.
3. It Helps Build Safer Communities
Reporting suspicious activity helps Police identify patterns and prevent future crimes. It also shows that the community is alert and engaged.
4. You Can Report Anonymously
If you’re worried about getting involved, you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-nz.org/reporting-police/ . “We do not trace calls and destroy all records of any caller after passing our report to the relevant authority.” Calls to Crime Stoppers are free and don’t show up on a phone bill.
What to Do If You See Something Suspicious:
• Stay Safe: Don’t approach or confront anyone.
• Take Notes: Jot down what you see - descriptions of people, vehicles, time, and location.
• Call the Police: Use the non-emergency number 105 or 105 online if it’s not urgent, or phone 111 if it is.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Remember: No detail is too small. Your call could be the one that helps prevent a crime or bring someone to justice
https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-if-i-know-or-see-something-who-do-i-tell ,
What is suspicious behaviour? https://tinyurl.com/27a8u532