How do I report a crime to Dutch police?
Use Politie.nl to choose the route for the incident. Prepare facts, witnesses and evidence; file the official report yourself with police. Call 112 for immediate danger. Our preparation is not a police report and guarantees neither investigation nor prosecution.
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
On this page
1. Put safety first
Call 112 for immediate danger or an emergency. For non-emergencies use 0900-8844 or the official police selector. Do not wait to complete preparation when in danger. This guide concerns Dutch police; incidents abroad may need another route.
2. Choose a report, notification or other route
An aangifte reports a suspected offence and requests criminal action. A melding supplies information and usually does not immediately trigger investigation. A complaint about police conduct is different again. Meld Misdaad Anoniem offers a separate anonymous information route for serious crime; it is not an anonymous aangifte.
3. Check how to file
Politie.nl explains available options by incident, such as online reporting or an appointment. Not every incident fits a standard online form. Follow official instructions or ask police which route applies. Our checklist only prepares you; we submit no notification, report or documents. For a missing bicycle, first check the municipal bicycle depot. If it was stolen, use the official bicycle-theft reporting route or make an appointment via 0900-8844. For violence or burglary, choose the reporting route matching those facts.
4. Organise facts and evidence
Record what you personally saw, heard or received: date, time, location, events and witnesses. Mark uncertain details. Keep original messages, photographs and any serial numbers. Mention physical, psychological or property damage. Bring identification to a station appointment but do not upload it here. Record the frame or chip number, make, model, colour, photos and where and when you last saw the bicycle. Look for the number in purchase or ownership documents. If it is missing, provide the identifying details you do know. For online discrimination, bring exact web addresses, usernames, sending times, original emails and SMS/WhatsApp screenshots. Anyone may report an offence; police advise under-16s to bring an adult, not to obtain mandatory permission. Meld.Online Discriminatie or Discriminatie.nl notifications are additional and not police reports.
5. Check the statement and complaint deadline
Check that the statement reflects your account and request corrections. Some offences require a personal request for prosecution, a klacht. Police state a usual three-month limit from learning of the offence. Promptly establish whether this applies; it is not a general deadline for all reports. The public prosecutor decides on prosecution.
6. Keep confirmation and follow up
Request a copy or confirmation and keep its number. Online reports receive this through Mijn Politie. Ask for explanation or an interpreter if you do not understand it. Give new facts to police. Use the separate guides for refusal, missing copies or wishing to withdraw; no outcome is automatic. Keep a copy of your report. Notify your insurer yourself and check policy conditions, required documents and the notification deadline; reporting to police does not automatically notify your insurer or guarantee compensation. Add new facts to the existing report. Confirmation is available in Dutch, English, French or German; ask for an interpreter for another language. Give police current telephone and postal/email contact details for updates on handling.
Is preparation here already a police report?
No. You file the official report yourself using the police’s route. Saving a checklist or draft sends nothing to police.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Safety and correct contact
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Safety and correct contact
- Date, time, place and observations
- Witnesses and original evidence
- Harm and uncertain details
- Identification for police
- Confirmation, number and next question
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Politie · Aangifte of melding ↗Politie · Aangifte voorbereiden ↗Rijksoverheid · Verschil aangifte en melding ↗Politie · Klachtdelicten ↗Politie ↗Politie ↗Politie · Bewijs bij internetdiscriminatie ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.