How to Report a Crime to the Police in the UK
Call 999 if a crime is happening now or someone is in danger; call 101 or report online for everything else. Always ask for the crime reference number — insurers, banks, and embassies need it. Fraud and cybercrime go to Action Fraud, not the local police.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Decide: emergency or non-emergency?
Call 999 only when a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, or a serious incident just happened. For everything else — theft that already happened, vandalism, fraud, historical offences — use 101 or online reporting so emergency lines stay free.
Click to mark as done
- Go 15–30 min
Call 101 or report online
101 connects you to your local police force (24/7, charged at your standard call rate). Many forces also take online reports for theft, criminal damage, and hate crime — search "report a crime [your area] police". Online reports get the same treatment as phone reports.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 20 min
Report fraud and scams to Action Fraud
Fraud, online scams, and identity theft are handled by Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk), the national reporting centre — not your local force. Report within 24 hours if money was sent: your bank can sometimes recall it, and the report is needed for reimbursement claims.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare
Get your crime reference number
Every report gets a reference number (format like 24JA/12345/25). Write it down — your insurer, bank, phone provider, or embassy will ask for it. Without it, claims for stolen property are routinely rejected.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up
Follow up and add information
Police assess each report and may assign an officer, or close it if there are no lines of enquiry. You can update a report with new evidence (CCTV, messages) by quoting your reference number. If you are unhappy with the handling, ask for the force's complaint procedure or contact the IOPC.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Use the report for the paperwork chain
With the reference number: claim on insurance for stolen items, get replacement documents (passport, driving licence) issued faster, and dispute fraudulent bank transactions. If your passport or BRPBiometric Residence Permit — The card proving your UK immigration status, permission length, and right to work. Being replaced by eVisas.Click for official info ↗ was stolen, report it to the issuing authority separately — a police report does not cancel documents.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Will reporting a crime affect my immigration status?
No. You can report crime regardless of immigration status, and police are generally not immigration officers. Being a victim or witness of crime does not count against you in later visa applications — if anything, cooperating with police is viewed positively.
I do not speak English well. Can I still report?
Yes. The 101 service and police stations can arrange telephone interpreters free of charge. You can also bring someone to interpret for an initial report, though police prefer their own interpreters for statements used in court.
The police closed my case without catching anyone. What now?
Most theft and burglary reports are closed after initial enquiries if there are no viable leads. You can request a review, but the practical value of the report is the reference number for insurance and document replacement. Keep the number permanently with your records.