How do I report a crime?

Which way to report

101 is the police non-emergency number. It works anywhere in the UK.

Reporting online

If it is not an emergency, you can contact the police online instead of phoning.

• England, Wales and Northern Ireland: use the police.uk website to contact your local police force.
• Scotland: use the Police Scotland website.

What to have ready

Before you call or fill in a form, it helps to note down:

1. what happened, in your own words
2. when and where it happened
3. a description of anyone involved, and any vehicles
4. any photos, videos, messages or receipts that show what happened
5. the names of any witnesses

Write things down as soon as you can, while you still remember the details. Keep any crime reference number the police give you.

Reporting anonymously with Crimestoppers

You can tell Crimestoppers about a crime without giving your name.

Do not use Crimestoppers to:

• report something where someone is in immediate danger (call 999)
• report a crime where you are the victim (contact the police)
• report benefit fraud
• report scam emails or calls
• report untaxed vehicles or minor driving offences

Crimes with their own reporting route

Some problems have a separate service. Use these instead of, or as well as, the police:

• Hate crime has its own reporting service.
• Benefit fraud is reported to the Department for Work and Pensions.
• Antisocial behaviour can be reported to your council or landlord, as well as the police.
• Immigration crime has its own reporting service.

Help if you are a victim

Support is available if you are a victim of crime. In England and Wales, there is a list of victim support services on GOV.UK.

If you are the victim of a violent or sexual crime and the offender gets 12 months or more in prison, you may be able to join the Victim Contact Scheme. A Victim Liaison Officer can tell you about the sentence, release dates and parole hearings.

The HM Prison and Probation Service Victims Helpline is 0300 060 6699, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Call it if a prisoner contacts you when you do not want them to, or if you have worries about a release.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

999, 101 and Crimestoppers work the same way. Victim support services are run separately in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check mygov.scot or nidirect for help in your area.

Related guides

• How do I report a hate crime?
• How do I report antisocial behaviour?
• How do I report a scam email or text?
• Can I get legal aid?
• How do I report benefit fraud?

Where this comes from

• Report a crime, GOV.UK
• Get support as a victim of crime, GOV.UK