### Reporting a Crime or Incident
Reports are processed by the police control room in the same way, whether submitted online or by phone. You do not need to report the same incident through both methods.
To ensure your report reaches the correct department, first determine which local police force covers your area.
### How to Report
- **Online:** Use the official reporting form on your local police website.
- **By phone:** Call the non-emergency number 101, or in an emergency, dial 999.
- **For anonymous reports:** Contact Crimestoppers if you prefer not to share personal details.
The control room will assess your report and assign it to the appropriate officers to investigate, depending on the seriousness and available evidence.
> "Reports are dealt with by our control room in exactly the same way whether you report it online or by telephone."
### When to Contact the Police
You should contact the police if you experience:
- Burglary, theft, or property damage
- Assault or physical violence
- Any incident where there is danger to life or immediate threat
Do not use online forms if someone is in danger or a crime is still happening; call emergency services instead.
### Useful Information
- Keep any evidence, such as CCTV footage or photographs, safe until police officers collect it.
- Make a note of any witness details if possible.
- You will be given a reference number to track your report or provide additional information later.
> “Find out which force you need to contact to make sure your report goes to the right place.”
### Summary
Police handle crime and incident reports equally whether made online or by phone; always direct your report to your local force for the fastest response.
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police.uk — 2025-11-30