Victim of a crime: police complaint, police report or online complaint
What is this for
If you are a victim of theft, assault or violence, you can file a police complaint. It is free, and the police or gendarmerie must record your complaint. A police report (main courante) only records facts. For some thefts or damage, the complaint can be made online.
Important points
- Warning: Domestic violence: according to the government website Arrêtons les violences, a police report (main courante) is not possible. For domestic violence, an investigation is opened as a rule.
- Note: There is a time limit to file a complaint: 1 year for a minor offence, 6 years for a mid-level offence, 20 years for a serious crime. Do not wait.
- Note: If they refuse to take your complaint, you can report it to the police inspection service (IGPN) or the gendarmerie inspection service (IGGN), or write directly to the prosecutor.
Steps to follow
Step 1: In danger now: call 17 or 112
If the attacker is still there or you are injured, first call 17 (police) or 112. For urgent medical care, call 15.
Step 2: Go to any police or gendarmerie station
You can file a complaint at any police or gendarmerie station, even far from where it happened. They are required to record your complaint. You can also write to the public prosecutor.
Step 3: Bring your evidence
Bring your ID and anything that proves what happened: medical certificate, photos, screenshots, names of witnesses. If you do not know who did it, the complaint is made "against X" (person unknown).
Step 4: Keep the receipt and ask for a copy
At the end, you receive a receipt (proof of filing). You can ask for a copy of your complaint. Keep these papers.
Step 5: Theft or damage with unknown offender: online complaint
For theft, burglary, damage or an offline scam when you do not know who did it, you can file a complaint online on Ma Sécurité. You must be an adult. Without FranceConnect, you will need an appointment to show your ID.
Step 6: Understand the police report (main courante)
A police report (main courante) records facts in a register without opening an investigation. It can only be made in person, not online. It can be used as evidence later. If you want the offender to be prosecuted, you must file a complaint.
Step 7: Get free support
116 006 (free, every day 9am-8pm) refers you to a victim support association. You can also be assisted by a lawyer.
Documents to prepare
- Identity document
- Evidence: medical certificate, photos, screenshots, receipts for stolen items
- Names and contact details of witnesses, if possible
Official links
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