Devon and Cornwall Police have also produced a leaflet that may help you to understand what to expect.  This covers the following issues

• How the crime will be investigated and what will happen if you have to go to court
• How you may be able to get compensation
• How the police can help you
• What other help and advice is available

Click here to download a copy.

If you do decide to report a crime to the police you can expect;

• The Police to investigate the crime
• In most cases, to be contacted by Victim Support - unless you ask the police not to pass on your details
• To be told by the police if someone is charged with, or cautioned for, the offence
• To be told (if you ask to be) by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service if the charge is later dropped or downgraded
• If you are needed as a witness, to be given the "Witness in Court" leaflet, and told the date of the trial
• If the case goes to court, consideration to be given to making a compensation order in your favour
• to be told (if you ask to be) the result of the court case; in the more serious cases, to be told (if you ask to be) the result of any appeal against conviction or sentence
• To be given advice about applying for compensation for personal injury from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; and
• To be given crime prevention advice by the police if you ask for it

To help make this possible, you should:

• Report the crime to the police as soon as possible
• Give the police full details of your injury or loss
• Tell the police if you want compensation
• Tell the police if you fear for your (or your family's) safety
• Tell the police if you do not want them to tell Victim Support or the Press
• Tell the police of any change of address while the case remains unresolved
• Contact Victim Support directly if you want to

If you have been raped, click here for more information.

Are you concerned about a known sex offender?

If the behaviour of a known sex offender is causing concern in your community, tell the police.  They can apply to the magistrates' court for a Sex Offender Order. This type of Order protects the public by prohibiting the defendant from doing specific things (e.g. lingering outside a school or in a playground). It lasts for at least five years. An offender who breaches the Order can face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment.