IF you witness a crime, please report it - that's the message from the Criminal Justice System in Worcestershire this week as it marks Inside Justice Week.

Figures released by the West Mercia Criminal Justice Board show that across the whole of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire last year, 30,000 cases were prosecuted and nearly 5,000 witnesses turned up at court to give evidence.

Jim England, chairman of the West Mercia Criminal Justice Board, said: "We really appreciate the effort that witnesses go to ensure that justice is done. From contacting police with details of crime, to giving their time in court, they are essential to the justice system and we want to say thank you."

Mr England added: "Fortunately we live in an area of relatively low crime, but we need to keep encouraging members of the public to report crime in order to keep it that way."

The Witness Service provides support for members of the public who attend court in order to give evidence. It arranges pre-court tours, helps witnesses claim expenses they have incurred, supports people in the witness box and, in some cases, also arranges for witnesses to give evidence by video link.

Kiran Robotham, of the Witness Service for Worcestershire Crown Court, said: "We have a dedicated team of volunteers who go the extra mile to make sure that witnesses are well looked after. No-one should or need be scared of giving evidence. We rely on witnesses to keep our communities safe."

Inside Justice Week began on Monday and continues until Sunday, October 23. The aim of the week is to increase public awareness and understanding of the Criminal Justice System. It also encourages members of the public to deliver justice through reporting crime, acting as witnesses or volunteering, for example with Victim Support.

Volunteers have an essential role to play in the justice system and turn up in the most unexpected places. To find out how people are helping protect local communities and making the justice system work by volunteering their services visit www.cjsonline.gov.uk/insidejustice

The site also contains useful information for victims of crime - who often find themselves in "a difficult and confusing experience."

A Victims Virtual Walkthrough gives a clear guide to the way the criminal justice system works.

The tour explains each stage of the process any victim of crime will encounter, from the time a crime is reported to police, through the police investigation to prosecution, court processes and sentencing.

Similar "walkthrough" pages are available for witnesses and defendants.

The government website says that crime in this country has decreased by a quarter since 1997. The risk of becoming a victim of crime is at an historic low, it claims, having fallen by a third since 1995.

On Saturday, some crown and magistrates courts in the South Midlands, including in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, will be opening their doors to the public.

People will be able to sit in the dock or in the witness box in an effort to familiarise themselves with the workings of the court.