Emergency Help & Reporting Crime
Everyone has the right to feel safe and to access help when they are at risk,
affected by crime, or concerned about the welfare of another person.
This page provides information about emergency services, reporting crime,
victim rights, welfare concerns, and the
criminal justice
process within England and Wales.
The information is
intended for general guidance only and does not replace
professional legal advice.
Emergency Situations (999)
When to Call 999
Call 999 immediately if:
- A crime is currently happening.
- Someone is in immediate danger.
- There is a threat to life.
- Serious violence is occurring.
- A suspect is present or nearby.
- Emergency medical assistance is required.
- A fire or major incident is taking place.
- A child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm.
What Information to Provide
When speaking with the emergency operator:
- Your location.
- The nature of the emergency.
- Whether anyone is injured.
- Details of any suspects involved.
- Any immediate risks to public safety.
Remain calm and answer all
questions as accurately as possible.
Emergency Contact
999 – Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard
For deaf, hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired users:
Text Relay: 18000 followed by 999
Non-Emergencies (101)
When to Call 101
Use 101 when police assistance is needed but there is no immediate danger.
Examples include:
- Reporting a crime that has already occurred.
- Anti-social behaviour.
- Criminal damage.
- Theft where no suspect is present.
- Providing information about a crime.
- Neighbourhood disputes
- involving criminal behaviour.
- Concerns about ongoing
- criminal activity.
Why Use 101?
The 101 service helps ensure
emergency resources remain
available for life-threatening situations.
Reporting Crime
Your Right to Report Crime
Anyone can report a crime
regardless of:
- Age
- Gender
- Disability
- Nationality
- Ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Immigration status
Police forces have a duty to record and assess reports appropriately.
Information That May Help
Where possible provide:
- Date and time of the incident.
- Location.
- Description of events.
- Names or descriptions of people involved.
- Photographs, videos, messages or documents.
- Details of witnesses.
You do not need all information
available before making a report.
Official Guidance
Police reporting information can be found through your local police force or via:
Reporting Crime Online
Many crimes can be reported online, including:
- Theft
- Criminal damage
- Hate crime
- Harassment
- Anti-social behaviour
- Vehicle crime
- Lost or stolen property
Online Reporting
Police UK:
Action Fraud
For fraud and cybercrime reports:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Examples include:
- Online scams
- Identity theft
- Phishing attacks
- Investment fraud
- Romance fraud
Reporting Anonymously (Crimestoppers)
What is Crimestoppers?
Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows people to provide information about crime anonymously.
You do not have to provide:
- Your name
- Address
- Contact details
When to Contact Crimestoppers
- Drug dealing
- Weapons offences
- Serious organised crime
- Wanted individuals
- Ongoing criminal activity
Crimestoppers
Telephone: 0800 555 111
Website:
Important Information
Crimestoppers is not an emergency service.
If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999.
Missing Persons
Reporting Someone Missing
Anyone can report a person missing.
You do not have to wait 24 hours.
Contact police immediately if:
- The person is a child.
- The person is vulnerable.
- There are concerns for their safety.
- Their disappearance is out of character.
Information to Provide
- Full name.
- Recent photograph.
- Clothing description.
- Medical needs.
- Last known location.
- Known contacts and places they may visit.
Support
Missing People Charity:
https://www.missingpeople.org.uk
24-hour Helpline:
116 000
Welfare Checks
What is a Welfare Check?
A welfare check occurs when
concerns exist about someone's wellbeing or safety.
Reasons may include:
- Lack of contact.
- Mental health concerns.
- Concerns about self-neglect.
- Concerns about abuse.
- Medical vulnerabilities.
- Risk of harm.
Who Can Request One?
- Family members.
- Friends.
- Neighbours.
- Care professionals.
- Members of the public.
Police and other agencies assess each request based on risk and
available information.
Safeguarding Concerns
If concerns involve a child or
vulnerable adult, contact:
- Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
- Children's Social Care.
- Adult Social Care.
- Police (if immediate risk exists).
Victims' Rights
The Victims' Code
Victims of crime have rights under the Victims' Code.
These rights include:
The Right to be Treated Fairly
Victims should be treated with:
- Respect.
- Dignity.
- Sensitivity.
- Professionalism.
The Right to Information
Victims are entitled to information about:
- Their case.
- Investigations.
- Court proceedings.
- Available support services.
The Right to Support
Victims can access support
regardless of whether they report a crime.
The Right to Make a Victim Personal Statement
Victims may explain:
- The impact of the crime.
- Physical effects.
- Emotional effects.
- Financial consequences.
The Right to Special Measures
Vulnerable or intimidated witnesses may receive additional support in court.
Examples include:
- Screens in court.
- Video evidence.
- Separate waiting areas.
Victims' Commissioner
https://victimscommissioner.org.uk
Victims' Code
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-code-of-practice-for-victims-of-crime
What Happens After Reporting a Crime?
Initial Assessment
Police will:
- Record the report.
- Assess risks.
- Consider safeguarding needs.
- Determine investigative actions.
Investigation
Investigators may:
- Collect evidence.
- Interview witnesses.
- Obtain CCTV.
- Conduct forensic examinations.
- Identify suspects.
Possible Outcomes
No Further Action
This may occur where:
- Insufficient evidence exists.
- No suspect can be identified.
- Legal thresholds are not met.
Community Resolution
Suitable for some lower-level offences where appropriate.
Out-of-Court Disposal
In some circumstances alternative disposals may be used.
Charge and Prosecution
Where sufficient evidence exists and prosecution is considered appropriate.
Court Proceedings
If charged, the case may proceed through the criminal courts.
Human Rights, Equality and Legal Protections
All individuals are entitled to legal protections including:
- The right to life.
- Protection from torture and
- inhuman treatment.
- Freedom from discrimination.
- Respect for private and family life.
- Freedom of expression.
- Access to justice.
- A fair trial.
- Presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Public authorities, including police forces and local authorities, must act lawfully, proportionately, and fairly.
Relevant legislation includes:
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018
- UK GDPR
- Victims and Prisoners Act 2024
- Children Act 1989
- Children Act 2004
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Important Notice
This information is provided for
public guidance and educational
purposes only.
It does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may change, and individual
circumstances vary. For legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor, legal
adviser, or appropriate professional service.