Posting isn’t protecting – report it where it counts

Social media is deeply woven into our everyday lives. We use it to stay connected, stay informed and speak out. Whether it’s online neighbourhood groups, community pages or group chats, it’s become second nature to share what we see and hear online.

But while social media can help build connected communities, it can also come at a cost – especially when it becomes a substitute for meaningful action.

That’s the confronting message behind a national campaign launched today by Crime Stoppers Australia to mark Crime Stoppers Day 2025, calling on everyday Australians to stop assuming someone else will take action when it comes to crime and community safety.

Titled “Don’t just post it – report it”, the campaign directly challenges the growing culture of online commentary without offline consequences. It urges people who see, hear or suspect criminal or suspicious behaviour to stop leaving vital information in group chats or social media threads – and start reporting it where it truly counts.

Crime Stoppers Northern Territory Chair, Catherine Phillips, says while social media has changed the way we share information, it’s also created a dangerous illusion of action.

“In the digital age, we’ve become accustomed to turning to social media to express our concerns or warn others – but typing isn’t telling,” Ms Phillips said.

“People might post about someone acting suspiciously in their street or share a rumour about local crime and feel like they’ve done their part. But if that information never reaches police, then nothing actually gets done. While social media may feel immediate and impactful, it does little to help police track down offenders, prevent crime or keep communities safe.”

“We need to move beyond the false comfort of ‘raising awareness’ online and return to real-world responsibility,” she said. “Because when people withhold vital information from those who can act on it – even unintentionally – they risk letting criminals operate unchecked.”

The campaign, which was first developed in Western Australia and is now being rolled out nationally, highlights real-world scenarios:

• A stranger caught on CCTV trying car doors, with the vision shared on a local social media page.
• Potential drug dealing activity near a park, with people caught on camera coming and going from the location.
• A person posting home security camera vision of someone stealing a package from the front of a home, with a contributor claiming to have a picture of the suspect’s face.
• A man seen stealing tools from the rear of a work ute, with other people in the group posting comments about where he can be found and who he is.

“In all of these cases, the intent might be right – but the outcome isn’t. If the information stops at social media, then police can’t act, offenders stay under the radar and communities remain exposed,” Ms Phillips said.

Beyond inaction, the misuse of social media can cause real harm. Crime Stoppers warns that unverified posts can fuel fear, spread misinformation and even lead to vigilante behaviour or the public shaming of innocent people.

“We don’t want to see communities whipped into panic over posts about incidents that never happened or weren’t crimes at all,” she said. “We also don’t want to see reputations destroyed by people jumping to conclusions and naming names without proof.”

“That’s where Crime Stoppers come in, because it gives people safe, anonymous pathways to speak up. You don’t have to give your name, make a formal statement or go to court. All we ask is that you share what you know – so it can be properly assessed, potentially linked to other reports and acted on by police.”

Crime Stoppers programs operate in every state and territory, offering anonymous ways to report suspicious activity, criminal behaviour or information about past crimes. Every tip, no matter how small it may seem at face value, has the potential to solve a case or prevent future harm.

“Every one of us has a role to play. Being a good neighbour, a concerned parent or a watchful community member means stepping up when something feels off,” Ms Phillips said.

“Whether it’s a gut feeling, something you saw or something you heard – don’t just talk about it online. Take that extra step and report it to Crime Stoppers. Because real change doesn’t come from posts – it comes from action.”

To report information anonymously click here or call 1800 333 000