A quick and easy way to find the answers to common questions about Crime Stoppers WA (CSWA) and reporting to us.
FAQ
Reporting information
Is my report truly anonymous?
We use the Tor network to anonymise your report.
If you phone us, there is no caller ID captured and your call is not recorded.
Who should I report to and how?
It’s important to contact the right people. Crime Stoppers WA is for sharing information about criminal activity. For police assistance dial 131 444 and for emergencies dial 000.
Make the Right Call explains who to call and how.
Through our reporting platform you can also report directly to a number of government agencies and remain anonymous.
Does my information make a difference?
Yes it does.
It helps police investigators put together a more comprehensive picture; it may provide the missing piece of the puzzle; it leads to arrests, charges, seizure of drugs, weapons and stolen property.
In 2023, of the Open Cases posted on our website and Facebook page, 63% of those ‘people of interest’ were identified and 42% were identified and charged thanks to your help.
You can read about some of our Success stories in this site.
What type of crime can I report to Crime Stoppers or other organisations?
You can report most crime types to Crime Stoppers WA.
If police assistance is required, dial 131 444.
You can also report directly to some government agencies about prison matters, scammers, pollution and environmental issues, grant fraud, fishing or agricultural issues.
What information do I include in my report?
As much as you can.
If you make an online report, the introductory section allows you to share your summary of what happened, where, when and by whom. Other sections also allow you to include location details, people & vehicle descriptions and upload relevant images.
Here are some things to remember
When are your opening hours?
You can make an online report 24/7 but these will only be monitored during the Contact Centre opening hours:
Mon-Fri & public holidays 7am-9pm
Weekends 8am-8pm.
Staff are available to take phone calls during these hours.
Will my information be actioned immediately?
No. Your information is assessed and entered onto the WA Police intelligence database for their investigation purposes. Or the information may be transferred to other agencies who deal with a specific matter.
Often, your information is helpful as part of a case or investigation and will be actioned when sufficient evidence is gathered. For example, if your neighbours report similar information, there is more chance of action being taken.
If you need police assistance, dial 131 444.
What happens after I make a report?
You will receive a unique ID report code for further reference. Your information is assessed by specially trained police officers and entered onto the WA Police Force intelligence database for their investigation purposes. Or the information may be transferred to other agencies who deal with a specific matter.
Information reports are written from the details provided by members of the public. The reports are added to the WA Police intelligence database and where possible are checked against other available information to ensure any incorrect or possibly spiteful details aren’t included.
You will also have some peace of mind, knowing that you have helped police by sharing what you know.
Can I get updates or feedback on my report?
Because we receive over 1,000 pieces of information each week, it is not possible to receive feedback from police on your report.
But be reassured, good quality information will greatly assist with police investigations and solving cases.
What rewards are available?
Aside from the personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve done the right thing, you may also be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers WA.
For high profile cases, the State Government offers larger rewards which are published in the media and our website.
What languages can I report in?
For online reports, you can report in 11 languages other than English:
Mandarin
Filipino
Italian
Vietnamese
Punjabi
Cantonese
Arabic
Afrikaans
Spanish
Indonesian
Korean
Note: we use Google Translate so accuracy may vary depending on content type and language pairing.
If you prefer to make a phone call, our staff have access to Translation & Interpreting Services to help.
Learn about Crime Stoppers WA (CSWA)
Is CSWA part of police or a government organisation?
We are a separate organisation which works in close partnership with police.
We are a not-for-profit community organisation and registered charity, partly funded by state and federal governments.
Who runs and governs CSWA?
We have a voluntary Board of Directors who oversee the strategic direction and high level operations of CSWA.
As a charity, we are regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
We are also part of the family of Crime Stoppers Australia.
How is CSWA funded? Where does the money get spent?
CSWA receives Proceeds of Crime funding from the WA Government which contributes towards campaigns, IT enhancements for anonymous reporting and pays to run the business side of Crime Stoppers WA.
Federal funding is provided for specific national campaigns and WA-specific projects.
What is the vision, focus and values of CSWA?
Our vision is for a safer WA.
Our focus is to harness technology to develop innovative crime reporting and crime reduction services.
Our Core Values are Social Wellbeing; Accessibility; Future Focused; Ethical and Respect.
Resources
What community resources are available?
Neighbourhood Watch and WA Police have a range of crime prevention resources for communities to help protect themselves and their business.
The Dept of Social Services have Family Packs available in 46 languages.
Visit our Resources section for more details.
What’s the best way to solve crime in my community and get crime prevention tips?
Get to know your neighbours or join a local Neighbourhood Watch or community safety group.
Know what to look for in our Resources section
Be an active citizen and protect your property, business, neighbourhood.
Working together is more rewarding and satisfying than trying to do it alone.
How can I get information about local matters?
For crime prevention information, visit our Resources section
Visit our Open Cases, search by suburb and help identify suspects and solve cases.
Local newspapers, some radio stations and social media groups also share information about local matters.
What are crime rates. How safe is my community?
WA Police provide statistics by location, offence category and date range.
Visit their Crime statistics page.
What teachers resources are available and are they accredited?
Our Civics & Citizenship resource, endorsed by Education Services Australia, helps teachers and educators make Year 7-10 students aware of their roles and responsibilities for becoming good Australian citizens. It highlights different types of crime, the laws around these and how to make a difference.
Do you have social media content I can share?
Visit our Resources section and search by category or keywords for the campaign or topic you’d like to help promote.
Where can I find recent news and media releases?
Visit our News & Campaigns page
Browse through our Resources section.
Help / Other
Who do I contact about partnerships with CSWA?
Please go to our Contact Us page, get in touch and one of our team will be happy to talk to you.
What services can CSWA offer government agencies or private organisations?
We have a suite of services available offering anonymous reporting platforms and collaborative information sharing arrangements.
Gov Connect – for government agencies with a law enforcement capacity wishing to receive reports directly through our anonymising platform.
Safe2Say – to enhance your organisation’s culture and employee well-being. Anonymous reports on workplace misconduct or inappropriate behaviour can be safely shared directly with you.
Bikelinc – for bike retailers to list their high-end bikes and improve their chances of stolen bikes being returned.
Eyes on the Street – a free, easy-to-use reporting app for people who witness suspicious activity on a regular basis.
What sponsorship packages are available?
Start a conversation with us. Fulfil your Corporate Social Responsibility and satisfy your ESG portfolio.
Sponsors and community partners feature on the CSWA website and social media, are referred to in stakeholder meetings and can support specific projects or crime prevention initiatives in general.
How can I connect with my local community on safety issues?
Through Neighbourhood Watch, social media community groups, ask your local government authority, find a local residents and ratepayers association.
If you can’t find a local group, perhaps you can start one?
Can I volunteer with CSWA?
Although there are no opportunities to volunteer directly with CSWA, you can join a local Neighbourhood Watch group, raise awareness in your local community by sharing our information cards with your neighbours; promote how you can report safely and the availability of doing this online in languages other than English.
How many people visit the CSWA website?
On average, over 3,800 people visit our website each week.
75% of them do so using a mobile phone or tablet.
Working together for a safer WA
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
Working Together by DuShong
The artwork titled ‘Working Together’ represents the Aboriginal tribes of Western Australia working together in harmony to rejuvenate the land by controlled fires.
In this artwork it also represents our community today working together to keep our neighbourhood safe from crime.