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When to report the crime
If you have been the victim of shoplifting, theft or extortion, report it to the police as soon as you can. Quick reporting can help officers preserve evidence and increase the chance of identifying the offender.
If the incident is happening now, or you think there is immediate danger, call 999. If it is not an emergency, use 101 or contact your local police force online.
What information to gather
Before you report the crime, try to collect as much detail as possible. Note the date, time and location, and describe what happened in clear steps.
For shoplifting or theft, include a description of the suspect, what was taken, and any vehicle involved. For extortion, keep any messages, emails, call records or notes of what was said, as these may be important evidence.
How to make the report
You can report many non-emergency crimes by phone, online or in person at a police station. Some police forces also offer online crime reporting forms, which can be quicker for straightforward cases.
When you speak to the police, explain the facts calmly and clearly. Give them your contact details, any witness information, and the evidence you have collected.
Reporting shoplifting or theft
If shoplifting happened in a business, tell the police what was stolen and whether the suspect left the premises. CCTV footage, till records and staff statements can all help support the report.
For theft from a home, car or other property, mention whether there were signs of forced entry or damage. If items have serial numbers, receipts or photos, provide these too.
Reporting extortion
Extortion is taken seriously, especially if someone has threatened harm, exposure or other pressure to make you hand over money or property. Do not ignore threats, even if they seem vague.
Keep all communication and avoid deleting messages. If you feel unsafe, tell the police immediately and do not meet the person alone.
After you report it
The police may give you a crime reference number. Keep this safe, as you may need it for your insurer, employer or other follow-up action.
You may be asked for more information later, and the police may contact you if they identify a suspect. If the situation changes or you receive new evidence, update them as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Report shoplifting theft extortion to police is the process of notifying law enforcement about suspected shoplifting, theft, or extortion. It should be used when a crime has occurred, is in progress, or when you need police to document and investigate the incident.
Call emergency services if there is immediate danger or a crime in progress. Otherwise, contact your local police non-emergency line or visit the nearest police station with details, witnesses, and any evidence you have.
Provide the date, time, location, names or descriptions of involved people, what happened, what was taken or demanded, witness details, and any available evidence such as photos, video, receipts, or messages.
Yes. You can report reasonable suspicions to police, especially if there is evidence or a pattern of behavior. Police can assess the facts and decide whether further investigation is needed.
Yes. Even if the suspect has left, police may still be able to investigate using surveillance footage, witness statements, transaction records, or other evidence.
Many police departments allow anonymous tips by phone, online forms, or crime tip lines. Check your local police department’s reporting options for anonymous or confidential submission methods.
Helpful evidence includes CCTV footage, photos, receipts, inventory records, witness statements, text messages, emails, threat notes, and any documentation showing what was taken or demanded.
Yes. Video evidence helps, but it is not required. Police can still take a report based on witness accounts, written records, physical evidence, and your statement.
A business should secure the scene, preserve evidence, document losses, identify witnesses, and contact police promptly. Management should provide a clear incident summary and cooperate with investigators.
An individual should write down everything they remember, gather any supporting evidence, contact police, and follow up with any additional details that become available after the initial report.
You should report it as soon as possible. Reporting quickly helps preserve evidence and improves the chance of identifying the suspect, though police may still accept reports later depending on local laws and procedures.
Police may still take a report even for smaller losses, though investigative priorities can vary by jurisdiction and available resources. Filing a report can still help document the offense and support future action.
Yes. Crimes involving minors can still be reported to police. Officers and juvenile authorities may handle the matter according to local laws and procedures.
Shoplifting usually involves taking goods from a store without paying, theft is the broader unlawful taking of property, and extortion involves threats or coercion to obtain money, property, or actions from someone.
Keep your report number, save all evidence, note any follow-up instructions, and provide additional information if police request it. You should also review security procedures to help prevent future incidents.
Many police departments offer online reporting for certain non-emergency crimes or tips. Check your local police website to see whether online reporting is available for your situation.
Police may review the information, contact witnesses, request evidence, and decide whether to open an investigation. You may be asked for more details or to provide a formal statement.
In many places, you can request a copy of the police report or at least the report number. Availability depends on local records rules and whether the report is part of an active investigation.
Yes. Extortion can involve threats or coercion even when no property is actually taken. Police should be informed about the threats, who made them, and any supporting evidence.
Avoid confronting a suspect if it could create danger, altering evidence, or deleting messages and footage. Instead, preserve all information and let police handle the investigation.
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