It is your choice whether you report the crime to the police. Some people choosenot to report or may not report straight away for reasons important to them.You should consider the following when deciding whether to report a crime:• the police can answer your questions and discuss any concerns you have aboutmaking a report• the police can explain what will happen next if you do decide to report• the police can only take action against an alleged offender if a report is made• it is best to report the crime as soon as possible. Timely reporting may preventvaluable evidence being lost or destroyed and help with any investigationthat follows• if some time has passed since thecrime, including months or years,you can still report the crime to thepolice• you may need to have reported thecrime to the police to be eligible toapply for financial assistance underthe Victims of Crime Assistance
