How to report a crime in London: 999, 101, online and on public transport

Use 999 for an immediate police response

The Metropolitan Police says to call 999 when there is immediate danger to life, someone is using or threatening violence, a crime is happening now, or a suspect remains at the scene. Give the location first, then explain what is happening and whether anyone is injured or has a weapon.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, the Met lists textphone 18000 and the emergencySMS service for people who have registered in advance. Its reporting page also provides access to a British Sign Language interpreter for 999 calls.

Use the non-emergency route when the danger has passed

If the incident is not an emergency, the Met accepts reports online and through 101. The online route separates common reports such as domestic abuse, antisocial behaviour, hate crime, road incidents and suspicious activity so the right questions are asked.

Write down the exact time and place, descriptions, vehicle registrations, direction of travel, witness contact details and any reference numbers. Preserve original photographs, video, doorbell footage, emails and messages. A copy with its original date and metadata is more useful than a cropped or annotated version.

Incidents on trains, at stations and on the Underground

British Transport Police covers railways, stations and the Underground. Its 61016 text service is for non-emergency incidents and is designed to work discreetly while travelling. Include what happened, the time, the service or station, the carriage if known, and a description. In an emergency, call 999 rather than waiting for a text response.

After you report

Keep the crime or incident reference number and the officer or unit contact details. Use them when supplying new evidence or asking for an update. If the risk changes — for example, a suspect returns or a threat becomes immediate — call 999 and explain that an earlier report exists.