A crime is an act that breaks the law and can be punished. Government attorneys handle these cases, representing the city, county, state, or federal government. There are different levels of crimes – more serious ones are called felonies, and less serious ones are called misdemeanors. Some examples of crimes are assault, battery, domestic and child abuse, arson, fraud, and tax evasion.
Reporting Crimes Online (WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO committed the crime)
You can use the NYPD Online Reporting Service to report a crime. This service lets you file a police report online for certain crimes or incidents. If you need immediate police assistance, dial 911 or call your local precinct. All reports are free.
Types of crimes that can be reported online:
- Lost property – a property that cannot be located; does not include property that you think was taken from your possession. Example: forgetting a package on the subway.
- Petit larceny – a property taken without permission valued at $1000 or less. It does not include property that was forcibly taken from you. Example: A bike being stolen in front of a store.
- Criminal mischief- intentional damage to property by a person. Example: Intentionally breaking a car window.
- Graffiti- intentionally drawing, scratching, or etching on property. Example: spray painting a storefront.
- If two vehicle plates are lost, stolen, or destroyed (or one plate if it is a vehicle that is only issued one plate, such as a motorcycle), you must notify the police and ask them to complete a police report. Bring the police report to a DMV office to surrender the vehicle registration.
To report a crime online, make sure that you:
- DO NOT know who committed the crime.
- May know if the crime was not captured on video.
- Must be a resident of one of the five boroughs of NYC, have a valid email address, and be 18 years-old or older.
How to File a Report Online:
- Make an NYPD Online account at nypdonline.org/link/nypd-online-reporting-service and then submit the report. Save your report number (complaint number) which is emailed within five business days of submitting the report. After that, you may receiving a call from a member of the NYPD if further information is needed.
Reporting to Local Precinct (WHEN YOU KNOW WHO committed the crime):
If you know of a crime that IS NOT one that can be reported online, you must report it to your local precinct.
Find your closest precinct: nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page.
If you are unsure whether you are a victim of a crime or want to learn more ways you can receive help, visit: nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/frequently-asked-questions.page or call the NYC Crime Victim hotline at: 866-689-4357.*
Domestic Violence
If know a victim of domestic violence or trauma, get help with the NYC Victim Hotline calling 866-689-4357. The hotline can provide free short-term counseling.
If the victim is in need of an order of protection for an inter-partner relationship (i.e. family, spouse, children), the NYC Victim Hotline can assist in getting that order. The NYC Victim Hotline can also connect callers to free legal services for domestic violence victims, whether it be for divorce, support groups, or any other of their concerns.
Resources
Family Justice Centers nyc.gov/site/ocdv/programs/family-justice-centers.page
Safe Horizon Counseling Center safehorizon.org/find-us
More information at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/frequently-asked-questions.page.
Updated on September 9, 2024
