How to file a police report: what to say to the officer
Your phone was stolen, and you go to the police station to make a report. An officer is at the counter. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and say what happened. Give your full name. Describe your phone: the color and the case. Say where you were and what time you last saw it. Say only what you know, and ask for a copy of the report.
Level 2 is a stolen bike: say the brand, the serial number, what was on the bike, what it is worth, and who saw it. Level 3 is a follow-up a week later: give your report number, hear the update, tell your insurance company what you did, and ask what happens next. Listen to each line, then practice with Officer Reyes in the game. This is for things that are already gone and nobody is hurt. In an emergency, call 911.
Useful phrases
Hello, my phone was stolen, and I would like to make a report.
Say hello, then say what happened and what you want: "My phone was stolen, and I would like to make a report." A report is a paper where the police write what happened.
My name is Ana Lopez.
The officer writes your name on the report. Say "My name is" and then your first and last name.
It is a black phone with a blue case.
Give two clear facts: the color of the phone and the color of the case. This helps the police know your phone from other phones.
I was at the bus stop on Main Street.
Say the place with its name: "at the bus stop on Main Street". A place with a name helps the police more than "on the street".
I saw it at about two o'clock this afternoon.
Say the time and the day, and use "about" if you are not sure: "I saw it at about two o'clock this afternoon." Do not guess a time that you do not know.
No, I did not see anyone take it.
Say only what you know. If you did not see it, say "No, I did not see anyone take it." Do not say a name or a face if you are not sure.
Yes, will I get a copy of the report?
Ask for a copy. Your phone company or your insurance company may want the report. "Will I get a copy of the report?" is a polite question.
Hello, my bike was stolen from outside the library this morning.
Say hello, then say what was stolen and where: "My bike was stolen from outside the library this morning." Name the thing, the place and the time of day.
It is a red Trek mountain bike with a black seat.
Give the brand, the color and the type: "a red Trek mountain bike". A brand is the name of the company, like Trek. Add one more small fact, like the seat.
Yes, I have a photo of the receipt, and the serial number is on it.
The serial number is a long number from the maker, and it is different for every bike. If you do not have it on the bike, look at your receipt or a photo, and say where it is.
There was a black lock and a small bag with my rain jacket in it.
Name each thing that was on the bike or in the bag. Use "There was" and a short list: "a black lock and a small bag with my rain jacket in it".
I think it is worth about four hundred dollars.
Give a number, and use "about" if you are not sure: "I think it is worth about four hundred dollars." The report needs a price, and your insurance company may ask for it too.
A woman at the café saw it, and she gave me her phone number.
Tell the officer about a witness. A witness is a person who saw what happened. Say who saw it and that you have a way to reach her. Do not say who did it if you did not see it.
Yes, can I send you a photo of the bike by email?
Ask for what helps you. A photo helps the police know your bike. "Can I send you a photo of the bike by email?" is a clear and polite question.
Thank you for your help.
End with thanks: "Thank you for your help." Keep the report number and give it to your phone company.
Hello, I made a report last week about my stolen bike.
Say hello, then say what you did and when: "I made a report last week about my stolen bike." Name the thing and the time, and the officer will know what you need.
Yes, I have it, and it is written at the top of my copy.
Say that you have the number and where it is. The report number is the fastest way for the officer to find your report.
It is hard to hear, but I appreciate that you looked at it today.
Stay calm when the news is not good. "I appreciate that you looked at it today" is a polite way to thank someone for their time. An open case means the police are still working on it.
Yes, they asked for a copy of the report, and I sent it.
Say what your insurance company asked for and what you did. A claim is the way you ask your insurance company to pay for your bike, and it needs the report number.
My neighbor saw a bike like mine near the park, but she is not sure.
Say what you know and how sure you are: "but she is not sure". Do not say that a person has your bike if you do not know it.
I understand, and I will call you first if I see it.
Show that you understand the rule. Do not take a stolen thing back yourself, because it can be dangerous. Call the police first.
Yes, could you tell me what happens next with my report?
A polite way to ask about the next step. The officer can tell you who will work on your report and when you will hear something.
Thank you, I will wait for the detective's call.
End with thanks and say what you will do next. Keep your report number, and call the police if you hear nothing.
Level 1 (A2): Report a stolen phone
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Good morning, this is Officer Reyes, so how can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, my phone was stolen, and I would like to make a report.”
Why: Say hello, then say what happened and what you want: "My phone was stolen, and I would like to make a report." A report is a paper where the police write what happened.
Avoid: “Somebody took my phone, so find it right now! I want it back today.” (too rude) · “I have a problem, and I need some help.” (too vague)
“I am sorry to hear that, so may I have your full name, please?”
Good answer: “My name is Ana Lopez.”
Why: The officer writes your name on the report. Say "My name is" and then your first and last name.
Avoid: “My name is not important. Find my phone.” (too negative) · “Why do you need my name?” (too rude)
“Can you tell me what your phone looks like?”
Good answer: “It is a black phone with a blue case.”
Why: Give two clear facts: the color of the phone and the color of the case. This helps the police know your phone from other phones.
Avoid: “It is black.” (too short) · “It is a very nice phone, and it was not cheap.” (too vague)
“Where were you when you last had it?”
Good answer: “I was at the bus stop on Main Street.”
Why: Say the place with its name: "at the bus stop on Main Street". A place with a name helps the police more than "on the street".
Avoid: “On the street.” (too short) · “Somewhere in the city, I think.” (too vague)
“What time did you last see it?”
Good answer: “I saw it at about two o'clock this afternoon.”
Why: Say the time and the day, and use "about" if you are not sure: "I saw it at about two o'clock this afternoon." Do not guess a time that you do not know.
Avoid: “Two o'clock.” (too short) · “Maybe in the afternoon, but I am not really sure.” (too vague)
“Do you know who took it?”
Good answer: “No, I did not see anyone take it.”
Why: Say only what you know. If you did not see it, say "No, I did not see anyone take it." Do not say a name or a face if you are not sure.
Avoid: “Yes, it was the man on the bus.” (gives the wrong idea) · “No.” (needs more detail)
“Is there anything else you would like to ask me?”
Good answer: “Yes, will I get a copy of the report?”
Why: Ask for a copy. Your phone company or your insurance company may want the report. "Will I get a copy of the report?" is a polite question.
Avoid: “No.” (does not ask your question) · “No, and I think you will not find it anyway.” (too negative)
“You will get a copy and a report number today, and your phone company may ask for it.”
Good answer: “Thank you for your help.”
Why: End with thanks: "Thank you for your help." Keep the report number and give it to your phone company.
Avoid: “Only a number? That is not much help.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks a lot. I will call my phone company.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Describe what was stolen
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Good afternoon, this is Officer Reyes, so what would you like to report today?”
Good answer: “Hello, my bike was stolen from outside the library this morning.”
Why: Say hello, then say what was stolen and where: "My bike was stolen from outside the library this morning." Name the thing, the place and the time of day.
Avoid: “Hello, something happened to my bike, and I need some help.” (too vague) · “Somebody stole my bike, so please go and find the thief right now, officer.” (too rude)
“I am sorry to hear that, so what kind of bike is it?”
Good answer: “It is a red Trek mountain bike with a black seat.”
Why: Give the brand, the color and the type: "a red Trek mountain bike". A brand is the name of the company, like Trek. Add one more small fact, like the seat.
Avoid: “It is red.” (too short) · “It is a good bike that I bought a while ago.” (too vague)
“Do you know the serial number that is written on the frame?”
Good answer: “Yes, I have a photo of the receipt, and the serial number is on it.”
Why: The serial number is a long number from the maker, and it is different for every bike. If you do not have it on the bike, look at your receipt or a photo, and say where it is.
Avoid: “No, I do not have it, but the bike is very easy to find.” (gives the wrong idea) · “I think there is a number somewhere on the bike, but I do not know where it is.” (too vague)
“Was anything on the bike, like a lock or a bag?”
Good answer: “There was a black lock and a small bag with my rain jacket in it.”
Why: Name each thing that was on the bike or in the bag. Use "There was" and a short list: "a black lock and a small bag with my rain jacket in it".
Avoid: “A lock.” (too short) · “Some things, but I do not remember all of them now.” (too vague)
“About how much is the bike worth?”
Good answer: “I think it is worth about four hundred dollars.”
Why: Give a number, and use "about" if you are not sure: "I think it is worth about four hundred dollars." The report needs a price, and your insurance company may ask for it too.
Avoid: “A lot of money, because it is a very good bike and I love it.” (too vague) · “It is not worth much, so you do not need to look for it very hard.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Did anyone see what happened?”
Good answer: “A woman at the café saw it, and she gave me her phone number.”
Why: Tell the officer about a witness. A witness is a person who saw what happened. Say who saw it and that you have a way to reach her. Do not say who did it if you did not see it.
Avoid: “A boy with a red hat took it, and I am sure that it was him, officer.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Maybe. I think somebody was there, but I did not ask who it was.” (too vague)
“Is there anything else you would like to tell me?”
Good answer: “Yes, can I send you a photo of the bike by email?”
Why: Ask for what helps you. A photo helps the police know your bike. "Can I send you a photo of the bike by email?" is a clear and polite question.
Avoid: “No, that is all. I think you have everything now.” (does not ask your question) · “No, and I know that nobody will ever find my bike.” (too negative)
“We will add all of this to your report, and you can send a photo by email.”
Good answer: “Thank you very much for your help.”
Why: End with thanks: "Thank you very much for your help." Keep your report number, and send any photo or serial number to the officer the same day.
Avoid: “An email? I thought the police would look for it today.” (too rude) · “Okay, thanks. See you around, officer.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Follow up on your report
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Good morning, this is Officer Reyes, so how can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I made a report last week about my stolen bike.”
Why: Say hello, then say what you did and when: "I made a report last week about my stolen bike." Name the thing and the time, and the officer will know what you need.
Avoid: “Hello, I came here last week about my bike, and I have a question.” (too vague) · “Nobody called me about my bike! What is going on?” (too rude)
“Thank you, and do you have your report number with you?”
Good answer: “Yes, I have it, and it is written at the top of my copy.”
Why: Say that you have it and where it is: "It is written at the top of my copy." The report number is the fastest way for the officer to find your report.
Avoid: “Yes, I have it somewhere at home, but I do not remember where.” (too vague) · “No, I do not have it, but my name is on the report, so you can find it.” (gives the wrong idea)
“I found your report, and the case is still open, but we have not found your bike yet.”
Good answer: “It is hard to hear, but I appreciate that you looked at it today.”
Why: Stay calm when the news is not good: "It is hard to hear, but I appreciate that you looked at it today." An open case means the police are still working on it.
Avoid: “Still nothing after a whole week? Then what are you doing about it all day?” (too rude) · “Okay, that is too bad. Call me if you find it.” (too casual)
“Is your insurance company asking you for anything about the bike?”
Good answer: “Yes, they asked for a copy of the report, and I sent it.”
Why: Say what they asked for and what you did: "They asked for a copy of the report, and I sent it." Your insurance company may need the report for a claim, which is the way you ask it to pay for your bike.
Avoid: “Yes, they called me.” (needs more detail) · “Yes, they asked me for something, but I forgot what.” (too vague)
“Has anything changed since you made the report last week?”
Good answer: “My neighbor saw a bike like mine near the park, but she is not sure.”
Why: Say what you know and how sure you are: "My neighbor saw a bike like mine near the park, but she is not sure." Do not say that a person has your bike if you do not know it.
Avoid: “Yes, I know that a man at the park has my bike, and I know exactly who he is.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes, something happened last week, but I am not sure if it is important for you.” (too vague)
“If you ever see your bike, please call us first, and do not take it back yourself.”
Good answer: “I understand, and I will call you first if I see it.”
Why: Show that you understand the rule: "I will call you first if I see it." Do not take a stolen thing back yourself, because it can be dangerous.
Avoid: “I will take it back myself, because it is my bike and nobody can stop me.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Sure, no problem.” (too casual)
“Is there anything else you would like to ask me?”
Good answer: “Yes, could you tell me what happens next with my report?”
Why: Ask about the next step: "Could you tell me what happens next with my report?" This is a polite way to ask for information.
Avoid: “No, that is all. I think I know what comes next.” (does not ask your question) · “No, and the police will never find my bike.” (too negative)
“The detective will call you if there is any news, and you can call us at any time.”
Good answer: “Thank you, I will wait for the detective's call.”
Why: End with thanks and say what you will do: "Thank you, I will wait for the detective's call." Keep your report number, and call if you hear nothing.
Avoid: “That is all? I thought you would have more news for me.” (too rude) · “Okay, thanks a lot for your time, and talk to you later, officer.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you file a police report?
Start with your local police department's website or its non-emergency phone number. Many departments take reports for stolen things online or by phone, and some ask you to come to the station. Bring a photo ID and what you know about the event: what happened, where and when. This game teaches the words for a report at the station counter with Officer Reyes: say what was stolen, give your name, describe the phone, say where and when you last saw it, and ask for a copy.
What do you say when you file a police report?
Say hello, then say what happened and what you want: "Hello, my phone was stolen, and I would like to make a report." Then answer short questions: "My name is Ana Lopez." and "It is a black phone with a blue case." At the end, ask "Yes, will I get a copy of the report?" and say "Thank you for your help."
What is a police report?
A police report is a written paper where the police write what happened, who it happened to, and where and when. Your insurance company or your phone company may ask for it, so ask for a copy or a report number.
When do I call 911 and when do I make a report?
Call 911 when someone is hurt or in danger, or when a crime is happening now. If something was stolen earlier and nobody is in danger, use your local police department's non-emergency number or website, or go to the station. If you are not sure, call 911 and the dispatcher will tell you.
What do I need to bring to the police station?
Bring a photo ID. It also helps to bring what you know about the missing thing: what it looks like, the brand, and the serial number if you have it. Write down the place, the day and the time.
Can I file a police report online?
Many police departments let you report a stolen thing online, but the rules are different in each city. Look on your local police department's website for "online report". If your city does not offer it, call the non-emergency number.
What does "stolen" mean?
Stolen means that someone took your thing without asking you. "My phone was stolen" is a clear way to say it. "Lost" is different: it means you do not know where your thing is, and nobody took it.
Why should I say only what I know?
The report is an official paper. If you did not see who took your thing, say so: "I did not see anyone take it." Do not guess a name or a face. The police will look at the facts.
What do I say if my bike was stolen?
Say what was stolen and where: "Hello, my bike was stolen from outside the library this morning." Then answer the officer's questions about the brand and color, the serial number, what was on the bike, and what it is worth.
What is a serial number and where do I find it?
A serial number is a long number from the maker, and it is different for every bike, phone or laptop. On a bike it is often under the frame near the pedals. If you cannot find it, look at your receipt, the box or a photo, and say: "Yes, I have a photo of the receipt, and the serial number is on it."
Who is a witness, and should I tell the police about one?
A witness is a person who saw what happened. If someone saw it, tell the officer: "A woman at the café saw it, and she gave me her phone number." Do not guess who took your thing if you did not see it.
How do I follow up on a police report?
Call the non-emergency number of your police department or go to the station, and have your report number ready. Say: "Hello, I made a report last week about my stolen bike." Then ask what is happening: "Could you tell me what happens next with my report?"
What is a report number and why do I need it?
A report number is a number that the police give you when you make a report. It is the fastest way for the officer to find your report, and your insurance company or phone company may ask for it. Write it at the top of your copy, and say: "Yes, I have it, and it is written at the top of my copy."
How do I tell my insurance company about a police report?
Give your insurance company the report number and a copy of the report. They may call it a claim, which is the way you ask them to pay for the thing that was stolen. You can say: "Yes, they asked for a copy of the report, and I sent it."
What should I do if I see my stolen thing?
Do not take it back yourself, because it can be dangerous. Call the police first and tell them where you are. You can say: "I understand, and I will call you first if I see it."
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for a police report. Every city has its own steps, and many police departments take reports online or by phone, so check your local police website before you go. In an emergency, call 911. Official information: USA.gov: Report a crime.