Legal Advice - If You Witness A Crime

What should I do if I witness a crime?
If you see a crime or offence being committed report it - or ask someone else to report it while you continue to watch what happens.

If the incident is very serious or someone is badly injured and an immediate police response is required, call 999.

If you are a witness to an incident then you may need to describe those involved or explain in detail what actually happened. Pay attention to people's height, build, hair colour and length and in particular their clothes. Write down what you saw or describe the people involved.

What will the police want to know?

The police will normally want to know the following information:

Your name and address
The telephone number you are calling from
A main contact number (mobile or home number)
The exact location of the incident you are reporting
The nature of the incident
Descriptions of the people involved
Whether you are a witness to the incident or reporting it on behalf of someone else
If you are still watching the incident, you may be asked to stay on the line.
If you are reporting a road accident you may also be asked:

The number and type of any vehicles involved
The number and extent of injuries
Whether the road is blocked
Whether there is debris in the roadway