How should I report a crime in the United Kingdom?

Call 999 or 112 for an immediate danger or crime in progress, and use 101 or the relevant police reporting route for a non-emergency.

What evidence should I keep after a crime in the United Kingdom?

Keep original messages, photographs, videos, receipts, account records, dates, locations, witness details, and all police or service reference numbers.

How is fraud reported in the United Kingdom crime system?

The reporting route varies by nation and situation, but victims should notify the relevant police or national fraud-reporting service and contact affected financial or online providers promptly.

Can domestic abuse be treated as crime in the United Kingdom without physical violence?

Yes, domestic abuse can include threats, coercive or controlling behaviour, stalking, sexual abuse, isolation, and financial abuse as well as physical harm.

Crime in United Kingdom

Crime in the United Kingdom includes offences against people, property, money, public order, and online safety. Police services investigate reports, protect people at immediate risk, and work with prosecutors, courts, councils, and support organisations. Knowing how to report an emergency, preserve evidence, and seek confidential support helps victims and witnesses take the next step.

Tip

Move to safety first, then report through the route that matches the urgency. Write down what happened in your own words and keep original messages, images, receipts, and reference numbers. Ask for victim support or specialist help if the incident affects your safety, housing, health, money, or confidence.

byMegan&Daniel

Crime in the United Kingdom covers harmful acts such as violence, theft, burglary, robbery, fraud, stalking, harassment, hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual offences, criminal damage, and online abuse. Exact legal definitions and procedures differ among England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Call 999 or 112 when a crime is happening, someone is in immediate danger, or urgent police help is required. For police matters that are not emergencies, 101 or the relevant police reporting channel is usually more suitable. A victim is a person directly harmed by a crime, while a witness has seen, heard, or otherwise knows something relevant. A person can report a concern even when they are unsure which offence name applies. The police may record the report, assess immediate risks, collect evidence, speak with people involved, and investigate. Prosecutors decide many charging or court questions, while courts determine guilt and any legal outcome. Useful evidence can include messages, emails, account records, photographs, video, receipts, serial numbers, dates, locations, and witness details. Evidence should be kept safely, but nobody should put themselves in danger to collect it. Fraud often involves deception intended to obtain money, information, or access. Unexpected urgency, secrecy, payment demands, account warnings, or requests for security codes are common reasons to stop and verify the contact independently. Domestic abuse can involve physical harm, threats, control, isolation, sexual abuse, monitoring, or financial restriction between partners or family members. Specialist services can help with safety planning even when the person is not ready or able to make a police report. Hate crime is hostility linked to an aspect of a person's identity or perceived identity. Victims and witnesses can report the behaviour and should record the words, actions, time, place, and available evidence when safe. Reporting does not guarantee a prosecution or recovery of property, but it can create a record, trigger protection, support an investigation, and connect a person with help. Immediate safety, medical care, secure evidence, and trusted support are sensible priorities after an incident.