Crime Stoppers Queensland has highlighted an alarming trend: many crime reports shared on community Facebook pages often go unnoticed by law enforcement. In response, they are launching a campaign for Crime Stoppers Day that encourages individuals to report CCTV footage, witness accounts, and any suspicious activities directly to authorities rather than relying on social media.
David Hansen, the chief executive of Crime Stoppers Queensland, emphasised that this initiative aims to dispel the common misconception that social media is a suitable platform for addressing concerns about crime. He pointed out that while social media notifications may inform local residents, they do little to aid police in apprehending offenders or preventing crime.
Moreover, Hansen warned of the dangers posed by unverified information shared online, which can amplify community fears, spread inaccuracies, and potentially lead to harmful actions against innocent individuals.
Hansen urged individuals: if something is significant enough to share on social media, it holds enough weight to report through official channels. He called on Queenslanders to transition from merely commenting online to instigating genuine change in their communities. Whether it’s an instinctive feeling, an event witnessed, or something overheard, he encouraged the public not to confine their observations to social media, but to take proactive measures and report directly to Crime Stoppers.
In situations requiring immediate help or witnessing a crime in progress, residents are urged to call triple zero. For non-emergency police assistance, the public can reach out to Policelink at 131 444.
Anyone with non-urgent information about crime or suspicious activities can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers Queensland at 1800 333 000 or visit their website at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Reports made to Crime Stoppers are confidential, ensuring that individuals are not required to make a police statement or attend court.