Report Crimes to Authorities, Not Social Media

In the age of social media, it’s tempting to post online about suspicious activity or crimes happening in your neighbourhood, hoping others in your community will take note. While these platforms are valuable for building awareness, it’s vital to report incidents directly to authorities rather than relying solely on social media.

Why Reporting to Authorities Matters

Sharing information on social media isn’t inherently wrong—it can help raise community awareness. However, notifying authorities first is crucial to ensuring safety and effective incident resolution. Time-sensitive details shared exclusively on social media may delay law enforcement’s response, potentially impacting the outcome.

Social media is also a public space, and your posts could expose you to risks. Criminals may monitor these platforms to identify witnesses or learn patterns in behaviour, such as your daily routine or when you’re away from home. Furthermore, it can lead to the spread of misinformation, create unnecessary fear, and discourage people from reporting issues through the appropriate official channels.

Strengthening Community Safety

By prioritising direct reporting to authorities, we can all play a more active role in preventing crime and enabling swift responses. Let’s work together to support each other and local authorities in keeping our neighbourhoods safe.

By working together and prioritising direct reporting, we can create safer communities for everyone.

Make the Right Call

• In an emergency or if the crime is happening now, always call Triple Zero (000).
• If you need police assistance, but it’s not an emergency, you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or visit www.police.qld.gov.au.
• Want to share info about non-urgent crime or suspicious activity anonymously? Reach out to Crime Stoppers Qld on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.