Victim information

Here in Cumbria we try to give an outstanding policing service to our communties, we know that becoming a victim of crime can be a distressing and upsetting experience so our officers aim to make this as easy a process as possible. 

Below we give an explanation on what happens next after reporting a crime and all of the support services that are available for advice.

We also offer some practical tips on how you can protect your home and your property in our Advice & Information section.

What happens when you report a crime?

Once a crime had been reported, one of our police officers will ask you for further details on the crime and what has happened. Our officers will ask you to provide as much information as possible. 

Please tell the officer about any of the following: 

• You are concerned for the safety of yourself and/or others
• If you have recently suffered from any similar crimes(s)
• If the crime was made worse because of abuse relating to race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor
• If you have any specific needs, for example a health problem
• If you remember anything else about the offence after the initial report
• If you change your contact details

We are committed to doing our best for you here in Cumbria. 

The officer will carry out an initial investigation that could include statement taking, house-to-house enquiries and scene examinations. They will tell you if a crime investigation will take place and they will keep you updated on progress. If an investigation cannot be progressed they will give you a reason why. If your crime involves injury, loss or damage, please retain any receipts, as you may be eligible for compensation.

What to expect as a victim or witness of crime

If you are a victim of crime, or a witness to a crime, our victim pages on our website support for victims and witnesses of crime will give you full details and information that you need, what you can expect from the police and criminal justice system, including details of support services that can help you.

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice gives the opportunity for people harmed by a crime and the people responsible for the harm to share how the crime has affected them. It lets everyone involved play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.

The communication can be a face-to-face meeting or a letter, recorded audio interview or video.

All victims of crime can seek restorative justice but the process will only take place if both victim and offender want it to.

Restorative justice is completely voluntary for all those taking part. Trained facilitators assess risks and make sure that the process is safe for everybody involved.

Restorative justice is used for any type of crime and at any stage of the criminal justice process, including if the offender is serving a prison sentence.

For more information visit:
Restorative Justice Council

Cumbria PFCC

Reporting a crime or incident 

To report a crime or incident, you can report a crime online.

Alternatively, you can call 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

If you are a victim, or witness, of crime and have access to the website you will be advised the link where you can get advice, information or support. If you aren’t online – you may receive a booklet which looks like the ones below.