Social Media Won’t Stop Crime – But Reporting It Can

Every day in Queensland, people see or hear things that don’t feel quite right — a car creeping down the street late at night, someone loitering near a school, or even a rumour about stolen goods being sold around town.

And what’s the first thing many of us do? We post about it. A quick warning in a neighbourhood Facebook group, a short video shared online, or a photo captioned “anyone know this person?”

While these posts can raise awareness in your local community, they don’t always go further. Police may never see them, Crime Stoppers may never receive them — and that means nothing changes.

That’s why this Crime Stoppers Day (19 August 2025), we’re urging Queenslanders to take one extra step: Don’t just post it, report it.

Why Reporting Matters

Sharing what you know directly with Crime Stoppers ensures your information gets into the right hands. When you make a report, it can lead to:

✅ An investigation
✅ A suspect being located
✅ A pattern being identified
✅ A safer community for everyone

Unlike a social media post, your information is assessed, properly linked with other intelligence, and can be actioned by police.

Most importantly, you stay completely anonymous. You don’t have to give your name, make a formal statement, or go to court.

The Risks of Posting Alone

While it might feel natural to jump online, relying solely on social media can do more harm than good:

• Police don’t monitor forums. If no one reports it, police may never know.
• Important details get lost. Time, place, and context are often unclear.
• Rumours spread quickly. What starts as a guess can turn into misinformation.
• Innocent people can be harmed. Posts that “name and shame” risk targeting the wrong person.
• Everyone assumes someone else reported it. Often, no one actually does.

If it’s serious enough to post about, it’s serious enough to report.

This Crime Stoppers Day, you’ll see our campaign message on billboards, social media, and in communities across Queensland. It’s a reminder that real change doesn’t come from likes or comments — it comes from action.

Make the Right Call

• In an emergency or if the crime is happening now, always call Triple Zero (000).
• If you need police assistance, but it’s not an emergency, you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or visit www.police.qld.gov.au.
• Want to share info about non-urgent crime or suspicious activity anonymously? Reach out to Crime Stoppers Qld on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.