Can I withdraw my report to the police?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
In the Netherlands, you cannot undo an ordinary crime report. You can explain why you no longer want prosecution. For an offence requiring a formal request for prosecution (klachtdelict), a separate eight-day period applies to withdrawing that request.
On this page
1. Identify what you submitted
This guidance concerns crime reports and requests for prosecution in the European part of the Netherlands. An aangifte reports a suspected offence; a klacht for a klachtdelict also expresses a wish for prosecution. This differs from a complaint about a police officer’s conduct. Ask which document is in your file.
2. Check the period for a klachtdelict
For a klachtdelict, the formal request can be withdrawn within eight days of submission. Contact a public prosecutor or assistant public prosecutor through the police immediately. You can do this orally or in writing. Obtain a record of when your statement was received; do not assume every report concerns a klachtdelict.
3. Explain your changed wishes
For an ordinary report, the public prosecutor decides on prosecution. You may explain in writing why you no longer want it, but your request does not oblige the Public Prosecution Service (OM) to stop. Include the police report number and, once available, the prosecution file number (parketnummer). If the OM does not yet have the file, discuss your wishes with the police. If the file is still with police when you ask the prosecutor not to prosecute, the OM will tell you to repeat the request once it handles the file. Use the prosecution reference (parketnummer), supplied when the OM takes the case; if already known, it can also be requested from the victim desk.
4. Report errors and new facts
If something was recorded incorrectly or you have new information, ask to add or correct it. Explain exactly what is different and why; do not invent a new account to end the case. Seek individual legal advice if you are concerned about having deliberately made an incorrect report earlier.
5. Check the online trading fraud exception
The police describe a limited practical exception: after an online report of online trading fraud, you can use Mijn Politie to notify them that the goods arrived or you were compensated, and withdraw that report. This is not a general withdrawal right for other cases. If the digital route fails, use the official police contact form.
6. Prepare your next step safely
Keep the report, correspondence and acknowledgement. If you are being pressured or are afraid, tell the police separately and ask about protection; call 112 in immediate danger. Victim Support or a lawyer can discuss your options. The preparation below is not automatically sent to the police or OM.
How can I briefly prepare my request?
Preparation note: “My report number is [number]. I would like to discuss [changed wishes/correction]. The reason or new fact is [factual explanation]. Please confirm who is handling this and what step is needed.” Complete the missing details. This does not automatically withdraw anything or replace a timely statement to the competent official for a klachtdelict.
Documents to prepare
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Item 1 / 8 · Where do you stand with this item?
Date and police report number
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Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
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0 / 8 · 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
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- Date and police report number
- Ordinary report or klachtdelict
- Date the formal request was submitted
- Prosecution file number, if available
- Reason your wishes have changed
- Specific corrections or new facts
- Any pressure or safety concerns
- Acknowledgement and agreed next step
Sources
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 intrekken ↗Politie · Klachtdelict ↗Rijksoverheid · Rechten van slachtoffers ↗Politie · Klacht indienen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.