-  Call the police immediately.  A five-minute delay means that the chance of catching the criminal drops by two-thirds.

-  In many cases it is what victims and witnesses tell police about the criminal that results in an arrest.  So tell the police as much as you can.  No fact is too trivial.

-  Sometimes, due to limited resources and personnel, the police may not be able to respond immediately.  They have to prioritize their calls based on danger to human life involved.  Don't be discouraged.  They will get to you as soon as possible.  an once you lhave reported the case,m stick with it.

-  It pays to prosecute.  Three-fourths of the criminals who are prosecuted are found guilty.

-  Being a witness in court is not as much trouble as you think.  Many communities have special programs to help victims and witnesses with transportation, day care services and scheduling of their cases.

(Excerpted from the "Block Captain's Guide", prepared and printed by the Milwaukee Police Department Printing Section.)