How to Report a Crime

The University of Adelaide's Security Services is a primary agency for reporting of crimes that occur on University property and maintains a close liaison with the local SA Police.  All reports of crime received by Security Services are treated as confidential and victims of crime will be provided with appropriate assistance and professional advice as necessary.

In the event of a life threatening emergency, you are encouraged to call 000 directly.
To report a crime that is not in progress, or for information, call your Campus Security Office. Security Services has personnel available at all times to receive requests for assistance or reports of crime. There are some very good reasons, in addition to prosecuting criminal activity, to promptly report crime. 

• Information about certain types of crime may affect the safety of others. These crimes include murder, rape, sexual assault (identity of victims is kept confidential), burglary, robbery, and motor vehicle theft. Timely notification about these crimes will be made to the campus community through Security Service’s Public Awareness Program.
• Your report will help Security Services maintain accurate records of the incidence of crime on campus. 

"Is This An EMERGENCY?" 

When you call the police or University Security Services to report a crime, the dispatcher will first ask you the question above. For your safety, be prepared to answer all the questions the dispatcher asks you - and be specific - Don't down-play the importance of your call. Here are points to immediately consider when reporting a crime: 

• Is anyone's life or safety threatened? 
• Does anyone need medical assistance or an ambulance? 
• Is the suspect still there? (If so, make sure the dispatcher knows this.) 
• Does the suspect have a weapon? What kind? 

Crimes in progress or involving life threatening circumstances receive the highest priority response. If the crime is still in progress, do what you can to ensure your own safety first. 

What Police or University Security Will Want To Know When You Call

The emergency responders need to know basic information about the crime. Expect to hear these types of questions: 
where: 

Where are you now? 
Where did the crime happen? 
If the suspects are gone, where did they go? In what direction? 
Did they use a car or some other transportation? Did you get the license number? 

what: 

What exactly happened or is happening? Describe the situation in complete detail. 
What are the suspect's physical characteristics? (race, sex, height, weight, hair colour, etc.) 
What was the suspect wearing? (distinctive colours or clothing?) 

when: 

When did the crime happen - Is it still in progress (This is very important - it may determine the level of response.)

who:

Who are you? What phone number are you calling from? 

REMEMBER, don't hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells you to do so. You may be put on hold while the dispatcher contacts emergency response personnel.