🕰️ After You Report a Crime — What Happens Next

Sunday, 02 August 2026

You've reported a crime and you have your crime reference number. Now what? This guide explains what happens next, how long things take, and how to track your case.

Step 1: You get a crime reference number

Whether you reported by phone (101), online, or in person, the police should give you a crime reference number (CRN) — usually immediately, or by email if you reported online.

  • Keep it safe — screenshot the confirmation and note the date you reported
  • You'll need the CRN for insurance claims, bank disputes, and chasing updates
  • If you didn't get one, call 101 — they can find your report using your name, address and the date

Step 2: The police assess your report

Every report is reviewed and graded. The police decide:

  1. Is it a crime? Some incidents are civil matters or not police business
  2. What's the priority? Serious crimes (violence, robbery, domestic abuse) are escalated fast
  3. Is there an investigation? Many lower-level crimes are logged but not actively investigated due to resource limits
  4. What outcome applies? Every crime gets an outcome code — from "investigated" and "charged" to "no suspect identified"

Step 3: How long does it take?

Stage Typical time
Crime reference number Immediately (online) / same day (phone)
Initial assessment Within 24–72 hours
Update from police Usually within 7 days for investigated crimes
Full investigation Weeks to months for serious cases
Outcome decision Can take months

There is no guaranteed timescale — it depends on the crime type, evidence, and force workload. If you haven't heard anything in 7 days, it's reasonable to chase it.

Step 4: How to check your case online

You can't check a CRN on a national database — reports are held by your local force. To get an update:

  1. Call 101 and quote your crime reference number
  2. Use your force's online enquiry form — many forces have a "track my report" or enquiry page
  3. Email or webchat where available (check your force's website)
  4. Visit your local station with ID and your CRN

For Action Fraud reports (fraud/cybercrime), use the Action Fraud portal or call 0300 123 2040.

What if the police do nothing?

If your report seems to be going nowhere:

  • Chase it — call 101 or use the online enquiry form, quoting your CRN
  • Ask for the outcome — the force should tell you the outcome code and reason
  • Escalate to a supervisor if you're not satisfied with the response
  • Complain through the force's complaints process (or the IOPC for serious cases)
  • For insurance, the CRN plus your report date is usually enough — even if the police don't investigate

When is a crime NOT investigated?

For lower-level crimes (some thefts, criminal damage under a certain value), forces may:

  • Log the report without a full investigation
  • Close it as "no suspect identified" or "investigation not in the public interest"
  • Still issue a crime reference number — which is what insurers need

That's frustrating, but the crime reference number is still valid and useful — keep it.

Keep a record

Create a simple log while your case is open:

  • 📋 Your crime reference number
  • 📅 Date and time you reported
  • 📞 Who you spoke to (name/ID if given)
  • 🗂️ Any case officer or incident number
  • 📧 Copies of emails and online confirmations

This makes chasing updates and insurance claims much easier.

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