It is important to report crime, as otherwise the criminal is free to commit more crimes and injure other people or damage more communities.

It is also useful for your own practical reasons. For example, when you report a burglary, you can get a crime number from the police. Without a crime number, it is impossible to make an insurance claim.

You can report a crime anonymously by going to Crimestoppers - an independent organisation that allows you to provide the details of a crime without revealing your identity. You could also speak to a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Once you've reported a crime, you will be kept informed of developments and - depending on the outcome of the resulting investigation - you may need to appear in court as a witness. If the crime is an emergency, you can call 999.