Don’t Report?

There are many reasons why a victim of crime may choose not to report the crime to police.  Studies have shown that up to 60% of crimes go unreported.

The majority of these will be ‘minor crimes’, but many will be more serious or violent incidents.  Some victims feel it is pointless to involve the police if there has been no personal injury or damage to property, despite how shaken they may feel.  Others feel it is too time-consuming or stressful to go to the police.  Some feel that the police are overstretched and do not want to bother them with a ‘trivial’ matter.  Other victims of unreported crime may have worries about intimidation or reprisals if they involve outside authorities.  All of these are completely valid reasons, and no-one can force you to report a crime.

Victim Support NI can give you emotional support and practical advice in the aftermath of crime, even if you have not reported the crime to the police.  Our partner organisations can provide specialist support to those who need it.