Speaking up about crime is essential for safer communities yet many people still choose silence. imabi Travel Guardian survey found that theft and violence are the most likely incidents people would report, but around three in four have felt discouraged from doing so. Common barriers include fear of retaliation, living close to offenders, negative past experiences, confusing reporting processes and doubts about confidentiality. While most still prefer to contact emergency services directly, many would rather remain anonymous, showing how important privacy and reassurance are. The findings make one thing clear: until reporting feels safe, responsive, and human, silence will continue to outweigh action.

Reporting crime and suspicious activity is one of the most important ways communities can stay safe yet confidence in the system remains mixed. imabi Travel Guardian survey found that most people know how to report a crime, and many have done so in the past. However, trust in how effectively authorities respond is low, with a large number expressing doubt that their reports lead to real action. Some people also hold back because they don’t know the process or feel it won’t make a difference. These findings show the need for greater transparency, feedback and visible outcomes to rebuild confidence and encourage more proactive community reporting.