Reporting a Crime.

How to Report a Crime

If a crime is happening now, someone is in immediate danger, violence is being used or threatened, or urgent police help is needed, call 999. You should not put yourself or anyone else at risk by trying to intervene.

If the matter is not an emergency, you can usually report it online or by calling 101. The correct route will depend on whether the crime is happening now, whether anyone is at risk and whether you are the victim, a witness or someone with information.

When to Call 999

Call 999 if a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, serious injury has occurred, violence is being used or threatened, a suspect is nearby, or urgent police attendance is needed.

Examples may include a burglary happening now, an assault in progress, threats involving weapons, domestic abuse where someone is at immediate risk, a serious road traffic incident, or a person acting in a way that creates immediate danger.

What Information Will the Operator Need?

The emergency operator will usually ask what has happened, where it is happening, whether anyone is injured or in danger, whether weapons are involved, and whether the suspect is still there.

You may also be asked for your name and contact details. If you are willing to provide them, this may help police contact you for further information or a witness statement. If it is safe to do so, try to stay calm and give clear details.

When to Call 101

Call 101 or report online when the matter is not an emergency. This may include theft discovered after the event, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, harassment, fraud-related concerns, lost or stolen property, or information about a crime that has already happened.

101 can also be used to give information to the police, ask for an update or contact your local police force about a non-urgent matter.

Reporting Crime Online

Many police forces now allow non-emergency crimes to be reported online. Online reporting can be useful where the incident has already happened and there is no immediate danger.

You may be asked to provide details of what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved, whether there is evidence, whether there were witnesses, and whether you have suffered loss or injury.

Evidence to Keep

If you are reporting a crime, keep any evidence that may help. This may include photographs, videos, screenshots, messages, emails, receipts, CCTV details, vehicle registration numbers, serial numbers, bank records or names of witnesses.

Do not put yourself at risk to gather evidence. If the suspect is nearby or the situation is unsafe, move away and call 999.

Giving a Statement

If you witnessed a crime or were the victim, police may ask you to provide a witness statement. A statement records what you saw, heard or experienced and may be used as evidence if the case goes to court.

You should tell the truth and avoid guessing. If you are unsure about something, say so. You may later be asked to give evidence in court. However, many cases do not reach that stage.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour can include harassment, intimidation, noise, vandalism, drug-related activity, nuisance behaviour or behaviour that affects people's quality of life. Depending on the issue, it may be reported to the police, the local council, the housing association, or the landlord.

If anti-social behaviour involves immediate danger, violence, threats or a crime in progress, call 999. Otherwise, use 101, online reporting or the relevant local authority route.

Reporting Hate Crime

A hate crime is a crime that is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Hate incidents and hate crimes can be reported to the police.

If there is immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency hate crime reports, use 101 or online reporting. Victims may also be able to access support services and specialist reporting centres.

Crimestoppers and Anonymous Reporting

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows people to give information about crime anonymously. You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by using its anonymous online form.

Crimestoppers is useful where someone has information about crime but does not want to speak directly to the police. It is not the right route if someone is in immediate danger, if urgent police help is needed, or if you are reporting that you have been the victim of a crime.

Reporting Fraud and Cybercrime

Fraud and cybercrime may need to be reported through specialist routes, such as Action Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, depending on the type of incident. Examples may include online scams, investment fraud, identity fraud, phishing, payment fraud or business email compromise.

If a fraud is happening now, money is being taken in real time, or someone is in immediate danger, police or bank emergency routes may also be needed.

If You Are Worried About Retaliation

Some people are reluctant to report crime because they fear intimidation, retaliation or involvement in the criminal justice process. If there is immediate danger, call 999. If you have information but want to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers may be an option.

Victims and witnesses can also ask police about safeguarding steps, witness support and what information may be shared with others.

When Legal Advice May Be Needed

Legal advice may be needed if you are accused of a crime, asked to attend a voluntary police interview, arrested, receive a caution, or are unsure about your rights when speaking to police.

Victims may also need legal advice where they are affected by harassment, domestic abuse, stalking, online abuse, fraud, civil claims, compensation issues, employment consequences or concerns about police handling of a report.

Current Position

Use 999 for emergencies and crimes happening now. Use 101 or online reporting for non-emergency crime. Use Crimestoppers if you want to give information anonymously, and the matter is not urgent.

If there is any immediate risk to life, safety or serious harm, do not wait and do not use an anonymous reporting route. Call 999.

Disclaimer

Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a regulated solicitor. Criminal law, police procedure and reporting routes can change, and how the law applies will depend on the facts of each case.

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