ACT Police have launched an online portal to allow Canberrans to report non-urgent, minor property damage or vandalism incidents.

The portal has been developed over three years, with $400,000 in funding from the ACT government.

Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan said harnessing the power of digitisation and technology will facilitate better decision making by ACT Policing in the assessment, triage, and dispatch of resources.

“Enabling this reporting to be done online will free up our call takers to respond to more serious, time-critical matters, allowing us to serve the community more efficiently,” he said.

“I want to emphasise this – if it’s happened, report online; if it’s happening, call 131 444, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.

“I also want to assure the community they will receive the same level of service from ACT Policing, however they choose to report an incident.”

People can report online using any digital device if they are over 13 years of age, have a current email address, and phone number. The person reporting online must either be the victim or reporting on behalf of the victim.

Police say following submission, a response acknowledging receipt of a report will be sent, followed by an assessment outcome within 48 hours. If a report is accepted, the assessment will include an ACT Policing reference number which can be used when contacting police in relation to an incident.

Additional forms available on the portal include reporting of historical sexual assaults, petrol drive offs, collisions, as well as requesting information or services from police, and submitting information about parties or out-of-hours contact details for businesses.

ACT Policing’s online services portal can be accessed here.