Don’t just post it – report it

Posted on 19/08/2025

Every day across Australia, plenty of people see, hear or experience something that doesn’t feel right – a car creeping down their street late at night, someone acting suspiciously near a school, graffiti suddenly appearing on a local building or even a rumour that stolen goods are being sold around town.

And what is often the next move? We post about it. A quick warning in a social media group. A short video shared in a local forum. A photo with a caption like “anyone know this person?”

While these posts can help spread awareness in your neighbourhood, they often don’t go any further. That means Crime Stoppers never knows about them, the police never see them – and nothing changes.

That’s why we’re asking you to do more than just post it – report it to us!

Why reporting matters

When you report what you know to Crime Stoppers – instead of just sharing it online with friends and followers – your information can actually lead to something:
✅ An investigation
✅ A pattern identified
✅ A suspect located
✅ A safer community

It’s not about getting someone in trouble. It’s about giving police the information they need to stop, solve or prevent crime – and might just stop someone from becoming a victim.

Posting alone doesn’t alert police

We get it – it feels natural to post about something strange you’ve seen onto social media. But unless someone takes that extra step to formally report it to authorities, your information might never reach police.

Here’s why relying only on social media can be a problem:

• Police don’t monitor local social media forums. They won’t see what’s been shared online unless someone reports it.
• Posts often miss important details. Things like time, location or what exactly happened can be vague or unclear.
• Rumours spread fast. One person’s guess can quickly become misinformation, creating confusion or fear.
• Vigilante behaviour can follow. When people post names or photos of someone they think is involved, it can harm innocent people and make situations worse.
• Everyone assumes “someone else reported it” – and often, no one actually does.

Be part of the solution

When you contact Crime Stoppers, your information goes directly into the hands of people who can do something about it – police investigators who know what to look for, how to follow up, and how to take action.

✅ You don’t have to give your name
✅ You won’t be asked to get involved
✅ You can stay completely anonymous
✅ Your tip could be the key to solving a crime

If it’s serious enough to post about, it’s serious enough to report to us – and by taking that one extra step, you’re helping to keep your community safe.

Real-world examples

It’s the little things that matter:

• A photo of someone peering into parked cars.
• Unusual activity around a building late at night.
• A property you suspect might be storing stolen goods.
• A conversation you overheard that didn’t sit right.

We all want safer streets, safer towns and safer lives – and it starts with sharing what you know in the right way. Not just in a chat group or post – but in an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

So next time something seems off, or you see or hear something that raises red flags, remember:

Don’t just post it – report it.

Report online or call 1800 333 000

 

 

 

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