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Reporting a crime
The Police Investigation
Going to court
After sentencing
Support after sentencing
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I have already reported a crime
Did you get a crime number?
A crime number is also referred to as an occurrence number and is an 11 digit number. This number currently starts with 190000*****.
Why is a crime number / occurrence number important?
This number is unique to the incident and is required every time you contact police. This will ensure that any questions or requests for information you may have can be more readily and quickly answered.
When you report a crime or incident, you should always be given an occurrence number, whether a report was made in person to a police officer or over the phone.
If you are a victim of crime, you will also receive a letter from the police informing you of the Occurrence Number.
If you think that you should have been given one or you have misplaced it, simply contact Northants police on 101, attend a police station for help or advice.
After you have reported a crime, the police will:
- send you a letter or a complaint acknowledgement form with a crime/occurrence number
- explain the investigation process
- ask you if you want to stay informed about the progress of your case
- ask you how you would like to be contacted
- refer you to victim support / Voice Northants or other support services if you need them.
You should always refer to your crime/occurrence number when you contact the police. You can also use this to track your crime online here
At this time you can also make your Victim Personal Statement
A Victim Personal Statement (VPS) is different from a witness statement, which mainly focuses on the crime against you such as what was said or what you heard in the incident, rather than the impact of the crime on you. Your VPS will help the criminal justice system (whether it is the police, the prosecutor or the court), to make a decision on the support and services that you or your family may need.
What happens next?
Next section: Will my crime be investigated?Last modified 14th October 2019
Your chance to explain how the crime has affected you.
When you are a victim of crime, you can be affected in many different ways – for example, emotionally, financially or physically.
Making a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) is a way in which you can put your feelings on record. It will help criminal justice agencies involved in your case (like the police, the prosecutor or the courts) to understand the impact that the crime has had on you and your family. That way we can make sure you get the support you need.
