How to Report a Crime to the Police in the UK

Experiencing or witnessing a crime can be stressful, but knowing the right channel to contact helps police respond effectively and ensures you get the support you need. The UK police system provides several simple ways to report crimes depending on the urgency of the situation.

If a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, or a suspect is still nearby, call 999 straight away. If you are in a situation where speaking aloud on a mobile phone would put you in danger, call 999, listen to the operator, and press 55 when prompted to use the Silent Solution system. This alerts the emergency call handler that you need assistance without requiring you to speak.

For crimes that do not require an immediate emergency response, call 101. This includes situations where property has been damaged, a vehicle or bicycle has been stolen, or you want to provide information about a crime that happened earlier. You can also report non-emergency incidents online through Police.uk or through your local police force website. If you are located in Scotland, you can submit details via Police Scotland or call 101.

If you have details about a crime but prefer to remain completely anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that does not track your IP address or telephone number. You can call them on 0800 555 111 or submit details online through Crimestoppers UK.

When you report a crime, the police will give you a crime reference number. Keep this number safe, as you will need it to track the progress of your case and to make an insurance claim for lost or damaged property.

Free emotional support and practical guidance are available regardless of whether you decide to report the matter to the police. You can reach out to Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 to speak with a trained adviser.