Recent feedback from a number of municipalities and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador suggests that residents may be witnessing various crimes, but may not be reporting this information to the RCMP.
It is essential to remember that crimes that are not reported to the RCMP are not investigated. Posting about local crimes on social media is not the same as reporting a crime to police.
Enforcement requires evidence of an offence which is often gathered through formal witness statements and other investigative avenues. Videos and social media posts, on their own, are not likely to meet the threshold for evidence of an offence or to support charges, but may hold investigative, evidentiary value when shared with police.
If you observe a crime or suspicious activity, please record what you see, including licence plates of involved vehicles, descriptions of involved individuals and the date, time and location of the incident. As soon as possible, report this information directly to your local police detachment. RCMP NL can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800)-709-7267. If the matter is an emergency, please call 911.
You can also make an anonymous report by contacting Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.
RCMP NL remains dedicated to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.