🚔 Crime Reference Number UK — The Complete Guide

Sunday, 02 August 2026

If you've reported a crime to the police in the UK, you'll usually be given a crime reference number (CRN). It's the unique ID the police use to track your case — and you'll need it for insurance claims, bank disputes, and chasing progress.

This guide covers everything: what a CRN is, how to get one, what it looks like, and how to check it online.

What is a crime reference number?

A crime reference number is a unique identifier the police attach to your report. Every crime report — whether made by phone, online, or in person — gets one.

You'll need it for:

  • Insurance claims — most insurers won't process a theft or fraud claim without one
  • Bank disputes — when reporting fraud to your bank, they'll ask for it
  • Tracking your case — quoting it lets police find your report instantly
  • Action Fraud cases — online fraud reports get an Action Fraud reference instead

Important: a crime reference number is not proof of a conviction — it's proof that a report exists.

How to get a crime reference number

You get a CRN when your report is logged by the police. The exact number depends on how you reported:

How you reported What you get
101 (non-emergency) A CRN given over the phone, usually immediately
999 (emergency) A CRN, often after the initial incident is handled
Online reporting form A CRN shown on screen + emailed to you
In person at a station A CRN on your paperwork / receipt
Action Fraud (fraud/cybercrime) An Action Fraud reference number instead

What does a crime reference number look like?

UK crime reference numbers are typically a combination of letters and numbers. There is no single national format — each police force uses its own system — but they usually look like one of these:

  • CRI/12345/26
  • 123456789 (numeric)
  • AB123456/26

The /26 (or /24, /25…) suffix is the year the crime was reported.

Can you get a crime reference number online?

Yes. If the crime is not an emergency, most UK police forces let you report online — and you'll get your CRN immediately on screen and by email.

How to report online:

  1. Go to your local police force's website (or police.uk to find them)
  2. Find "Report a crime online" or "Report an incident"
  3. Complete the form — include dates, times, and any reference numbers you have
  4. Submit — you'll get a crime reference number straight away

What can't be reported online? Emergencies (call 999), crimes in progress, and some sensitive offences. If you're unsure, call 101.

How to check a crime reference number online

You can't check a CRN on a national database — crime reports are held by individual police forces. To check yours:

  1. Call 101 and quote your CRN — the operator can confirm the status of the report
  2. Contact your local force online — many forces have enquiry forms where you can quote your CRN and ask for an update
  3. Check your email — forces that take online reports email you a receipt containing the CRN
  4. Ask at your local station — bring ID and your CRN

If you're checking an Action Fraud reference, use the Action Fraud portal or call 0300 123 2040.

What if you don't have a crime reference number?

If you reported a crime but never received a CRN:

  • Call 101 — they can look up your report using your name, address, and the date of the incident
  • Check your email/spam folder — online reports email the CRN; it sometimes lands in spam
  • Contact the force's enquiry desk — they can locate the report and issue the number

If the police didn't take a report (e.g. you were told it wasn't a police matter), ask for that decision in writing — it matters for insurance and civil claims.

Crime reference number vs Action Fraud reference

Crime Reference Number Action Fraud Reference
Issued by Your local police force Action Fraud (national fraud reporting)
Used for All crime types Fraud and cybercrime only
Format Force-specific (letters/numbers) Starts with NFRC or is a long number
Check via 101 / local force Action Fraud portal / 0300 123 2040

What to do if you've been a victim

  • Emergency / crime in progress → call 999
  • Non-emergency → call 101 or report online
  • Fraud or cybercrime → report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
  • Keep your CRN safe — screenshot the confirmation and note the date you reported

Need more help?

CyberAware UK — helping families report crime, recover from scams, and stay safe online.