Police Complaint Letter Format
Write to the Station House Officer with the date, place, what happened and what you want done, and ask for a copy of the FIR or report.
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Writing to the police station
When something is stolen, lost or taken from you by fraud, the police need a clear written account to act on. A good police complaint is short and factual: when and where it happened, what exactly was taken or lost with identifying numbers, anyone you suspect, and what you are asking for. This page opens the Theft letter, and the other police letters are one tap away: lost mobile, lost documents or items, vehicle theft and online fraud.
The police letters
| Letter | Key details it asks for | Request |
|---|---|---|
| Theft | What was stolen, approximate value, date, time, place, suspect | Register an FIR, investigate, recover, give a copy |
| Vehicle theft | Vehicle, registration, chassis and engine numbers, where it was parked | FIR copy for insurance and the transport office |
| Lost documents / items | What was lost, date and place | A lost report copy for duplicate documents |
| Lost / stolen mobile | Model, number, both IMEIs | A copy for blocking on Sanchar Saathi and a duplicate SIM |
| Online / UPI fraud | Amount, mode, transaction or UTR number, 1930 complaint number | Register, investigate and help recover the money |
Putting the facts in order
- When: the date and approximate time.
- Where: a precise place, such as "outside the SBI ATM on Station Road" rather than just the city.
- What: the items with identifying details: colour, brand, numbers, cash amount.
- Who: anyone you saw or suspect, and why, without guessing.
- Request: register the complaint or FIR, investigate, and give you a copy.
Add anything else in "What happened, in your words", such as CCTV cameras nearby, witnesses or the steps you have already taken.
Online fraud: act within the hour
If money was taken through UPI, a card or net banking, first call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or report on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and inform your bank. Then put the complaint number in the written letter if the police ask for one.
Vehicle theft
For a stolen car, motorcycle or scooter, give the registration, chassis and engine numbers from the RC, and say where it was parked. Inform your insurer quickly and keep the FIR copy for the claim and for the transport office.
At the police station
- Take two printed copies, signed. Hand in one and get the other stamped or marked with a diary number, or ask for the FIR copy.
- Carry your ID and copies of bills, RC or other documents that prove ownership.
- Note the name of the officer you met and the date.
Many state police services also accept some reports online through their websites or apps; check your state police website. This is a letter format, not legal advice. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Other complaint letters
Need more options? Open the full Complaint Letter Generator.
Frequently asked questions
To whom should I address a police complaint?
To the Station House Officer (SHO) or officer in charge of the police station for the area where the incident happened, with the station's name and city.
What is the difference between an FIR and a complaint letter?
An FIR is the police's own record of information about a cognizable offence, such as theft. Your written complaint gives them that information. The theft letters here ask the police to register an FIR and give you a copy.
Can I file a police complaint online?
Many state police websites and apps accept some complaints, lost reports and e-FIRs online. For money lost to online fraud, call 1930 or use cybercrime.gov.in. Use this letter where a written complaint is needed.
Can I write a police complaint in Hindi?
Yes. Choose हिन्दी: the letter starts 'सेवा में, थाना प्रभारी महोदय' and follows the usual Hindi format.