You can now report certain crimes anywhere in France using online tool

An online tool that enables people in France to report theft, burglary, and vandalism is now available, after going live on October 15.

The tool, which has been trialled in Gironde (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) since the start of the year, is now operational nationwide. Former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described it as “revolutionary”.

How to use the new reporting tool

The tool - now available on the Interior Ministry website here - is free to use.

It requires you to have FranceConnect login details, or to create an account using a verified and valid form of ID (the second option enables you to create an account and make your complaint online, but your ID must later be validated in person). The portal then takes you to an online form that takes around 20 minutes to complete.

The site can also be read in English, via the FR/EN dropdown menu to the top right of the page.

Read also: What is FranceConnect?
Read also: What is the ‘FranceConnect’ button used for on websites?

To use it, click ‘Choisir sa démarche’, and then enter the town name or postcode to be directed to the correct police station. Select your nearest station, and click ‘Valider’. Then choose the type of incident you wish to report.

A gendarme or police officer should review your report within 48 hours, and may decide that you need to visit the station in person to offer more information or to take the next steps.

The system can only be used to report certain types of crime. 

The form can take reports of the following crimes: 

• Theft (mobile phone, car, bank card, etc.),

• Burglary

• Damage to property (car scratches, graffiti, etc.),

• Fraud (excluding Internet fraud)

You must also meet three conditions to use the online tool:

• Not know the person who committed the offence

• Be aged 18 or over

• Be the victim or their legal representative

If necessary, you may be redirected to a specialist association, or an online chat with a police or gendarmerie officer to speak with them directly.

The tool is not intended to replace any emergency lines. If you have a police emergency, dial 17 or 112 immediately (from within France). If you have difficulty speaking or hearing, text 114.