Victim of Crime

The most important thing you can do is to report a crime....

Control Room Staff Victims play a vital role in breaking the chain of crime. Dorset Police understand that it may be difficult to report an incident, but we encourage you to do so, and we will listen, understand, and give guidance and support. Crime is never to too trivial to report, we appreciate that it is still distressing. If a minor crime is reported, it will enable us to note trends, and then we can tackle it; for example car vandalism in a particular area.If you have been involved in a serious or sensitive crime, we have specially trained staff who will treat you with utmost respect and will understand your needs and look after any of your concerns.

If crime is not reported, it is virtually as though it never occurred, and the criminal is free to commit more crime, damaging more individuals and the community. We would appreciate that you report all crime, in your own interest and for practical purposes. When you telephone or visit your local police station to initially report a crime, Dorset Police will give you a crime reference number; this will enable you to track the progress of your case on-line. A crime number will also be necessary for any crimes which will involve insurance claims.

You can report a crime by:

Calling 999 in an emergency, when you require an immediate response. Please only use this number when a crime is happening or anyone is in immediate danger. The 999 system handles calls for the fire brigade and ambulance service, coastguard as well as the police so you should try to be clear about which service it is that you need. Telephone or visit your local police station, they will be responsive to your needs.

Please follow this link for information on your local police station >

Crimestoppers Logo - Call 0800 555 111 Crimestoppers is an independent UK-wide charity working to stop crime. If you have information about any crime you would prefer to offer in confidence and anonymously, call free on 0800 555 111. Visit the Crimestoppers website at : http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

In all cases reported, we will ask if you would like to be referred to Victim Support, an independent national charity. Their staff and volunteers are trained to provide victims from all walks of life and of any age, free confidential advice and assistance including:

Someone to talk to in confidence
Advice on victim’s rights. Please click on the following link for the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime - http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/victims-code-of-practice
Information on police and court procedures
Advice about compensation and insurance
Links to other sources of help and counselling

Anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support for help, regardless of whether they have reported the crime to the police, or how long ago the crime took place.