News release
Witnesses can help police by safely observing and reporting crime
August 26, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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Richmond RCMP is encouraging community members to remember that if they witness a crime, their observations can play a critical role in helping police identify suspects, locate vehicles, and advance investigations.
While public safety remains the priority, witnesses can assist police by observing incidents from a safe distance and noting important details that may later become valuable evidence.
Transcript
Video description: A video teaching others how they can help gather key evidence from a safe distance if they witness a crime.
Transcription:
[As an alarm rings, a thief, dressed in all black runs out of a storefront called “DEON’S DRESSER” holding bags of stolen merchandise. The store clerk points him out.]
“Stop that thief!”
[The thief runs to his white SUV.]
[From the perspective of a phone camera, which is recording the scene, the white SUV pulls away.]
[A bystander is holding the phone and stops recording after the car drives off. The bystander speaks to camera.]
“A crime just happened, and while the police are on their way, I just helped collect key evidence by observing the crime from a safe distance. Here’s how you can also help protect our city if you witness a crime.”
[Time resets, and the thief is back at the store running away with stolen goods.]
[Suddenly, time slows down and the thief runs away in slow-motion. The bystander from earlier is unaffected and speaks at normal speed to camera.]
“While the crime is happening, I observe key details like the suspects' looks and what they’re driving.”
[The thief speeds up again, but is slowed down again almost immediately as the bystander walks by at normal speed.]
“I note the colour of his pants, his shoes, and his sweater.”
[As the bystander points out the different clothing the thief is wearing, those clothes are highlighted.]
[We get a closer look at the bystander.]
“Logos are great for identifying clothing. I also look for anything that they could use as a weapon.”
[The thief is frozen in time. The bystander, at normal speed, walks towards the camera.]
“Focus on physical details such as, estimated age, height, skin tone, and any hair. Don't forget accessories like glasses and piercings.”
[The thief speeds up again and runs to his car.]
[As the thief reaches for the car handle, time freezes again and we can see a tattoo on his arm.]
“Pay attention to details like tattoos and scars.”
[Time resumes and the thief enters the car. Just then, time freezes again. And the bystander walks beside the car while speaking to camera.]
“If a vehicle is involved, note the colour…”
[The white vehicle changes colours quickly between pink, black, red, and blue before returning to white.]
“…the brand, and body style. Is it a sedan, truck, or SUV?”
[The white SUV changes to a sedan and then a truck and then returns to a SUV again.]
“Look for additional features such as rims, or bumper stickers.
[We zoom in on the rims of the SUV.]
[We zoom in on the bumper sticker on the SUV which reads: “Going to get CAUGHT”.]
“If possible, get a picture of the license plate.”
[From the perspective of a phone camera, a picture is taken of the license plate.]
[The bystander holds up their phone.]
“If safe, use your phone to record the scene.”
[The white SUV drives down the road.]
“Note the direction they are going.”
[The bystander types on her phone.]
“I enter the time and observations in my notes app before the police arrive and while the details are still fresh in my mind.”
[The bystander types on her phone.]
[The bystander looks up after finishing writing notes.]
[The bystander meets with the police officer in front of the store, and shows the officer the pictures and notes.]
“Stick around in a safe spot so you can pass your notes directly to the responding officer.”
[The officer writes down the bystanders' observations in a notebook.]
[The officer talks into her radio.]
“Suspect traveling eastbound in a white SUV with silver rims and a bumper sticker on the rear.”
[The white SUV speeds down the road.]
[A police car pulls out in front of the SUV and stops it.]
[The thief exits the vehicle with their hands up.]
[The officer driving the police car listens to the radio for the description of the thief.]
“The thief is wearing white shoes, black pants, a dark sweater and has blond hair.”
[The thief is dressed in white shoes, black pants, and a dark sweater as he walks away from the vehicle with his hands up.]
[The officer puts the thief in handcuffs.]
[The bystander stands next to a police officer in front of the storefront. The police officer speaks to camera.]
“No matter the crime, by observing from a safe distance and recognizing key details, you can help keep our community safe.”
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears.]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
"Many investigations benefit from information provided by witnesses who take the time to carefully observe what happened," says Corporal Frank Bryson, Media Relations Officer for Richmond RCMP. "We want to remind the public that they should never put themselves at risk, but they can help by paying attention to key details and sharing that information with police."
If you witness a crime, Richmond RCMP recommends the following:
- Maintain a safe distance and do not attempt to intervene or confront suspects.
- Observe and remember details about the suspect, including:
- Clothing and footwear
- Distinctive logos or markings on clothing
- Estimated age, height, build, hair colour, and skin tone
- Visible tattoos, scars, glasses, piercings, or other unique features
If a vehicle is involved, note:
- Colour
- Make and model, if known
- Vehicle type (SUV, sedan, truck, etc.)
- Distinguishing features such as rims, decals, damage, or bumper stickers
- Licence plate information, if it can be obtained safely
- Note the direction of travel.
- If it is safe to do so, use your phone to record video or take photos.
- Write down your observations as soon as possible while details are still fresh in your memory.
- Remain in a safe location and provide your observations, notes, photos, or video directly to responding officers.
Witness information can help officers quickly circulate suspect descriptions, identify involved vehicles, and support investigations.
"Even small details can make a big difference," adds Corporal Frank Bryson. "A licence plate, a distinctive piece of clothing, or the direction a suspect travelled may be the information investigators need to move a case forward."
Richmond RCMP reminds the public that personal safety should always come first. If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency incidents, contact your local police agency through its non-emergency line.
Contacts
Media Relations Officer
Richmond RCMP
richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
604-207-5189