B2English

Reporting a Crime

Use these phrases when speaking to the police or emergency dispatchers to report a crime, describe what happened, and follow up.

Key Phrases

Voice
Stating the emergency · 3 ways to say it

Someone just snatched my bag!

casual

Use for reporting an active or just-completed street crime

I need to report a break-in.

neutral

I'd like to report a stolen vehicle, please.

polite

Appropriate when calling the non-emergency police line

Giving the location

I'm currently standing outside the coffee shop at the corner of 5th and Main.

neutral
Explaining the timing · 2 ways to say it

I just got home and saw that the front door was forced open.

casual

It happened about ten minutes ago, right after I parked my car.

neutral
Describing the suspect · 2 ways to say it

I didn't get a great look, but he was a tall guy wearing a dark hoodie.

casual

The suspect appeared to be in his late twenties, though I didn't see his face clearly.

polite
Describing the getaway vehicle · 2 ways to say it

They took off in a dark sedan, but I didn't catch the license plate.

casual

US English

They sped off in a dark saloon, but I couldn't make out the number plate.

neutral

UK English

Listing stolen property · 2 ways to say it

My laptop and passport were in that bag, along with all my credit cards.

casual

Several valuable items are missing from the property, including a laptop and some jewelry.

polite
Providing evidence · 2 ways to say it

I think the security cameras on the building next door might have caught them.

neutral

I've actually got most of the incident recorded on my phone if that helps.

casual
Requesting documentation · 2 ways to say it

I'm gonna need a case number to give to my insurance company.

casual

Would it be possible to get a copy of the official report for my insurance claim?

polite

Practice Dialogue

Officer
Are you the individual who reported the break-in?
Victim
Yeah, that's me. I just got home a bit ago and found the front window totally smashed.
Officer
Alright, please don't touch anything just yet. Did you see anyone hanging around when you pulled up?
Victim
Well, I saw a guy running toward a dark sedan, but honestly, I didn't get a great look at him.
Officer
Did you happen to catch the license plate before they drove off?
Victim
No, it all happened too fast, you know? But I think the security cameras on the corner might have caught it.
Officer
Okay, we'll definitely look into that. Do you have a list of what's missing?
Victim
Not a full list yet. I mean, my laptop is definitely gone, along with some cash. I'm gonna need a case number for my insurance, right?
Officer
Exactly. I'll take your statement now, and give you a card with the case number on it.

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