How to Write a Better Vehicle Theft Report
A vehicle theft report helps police solve and apprehend criminals who steal cars. It is the first thing that you will be requested to complete after you report the theft of your car. If you want to help police find your vehicle, write a complete report including all the pertinent information about your car and the incident. Each police department has a slightly different form, but the general guidelines are the same for writing an effective vehicle theft report.
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Instructions
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Include all related information about the car in the report. Usually, this is the top section of the report. Have your insurance card with you when you complete this part. Information about your vehicle, including the VIN number, color, make, model and year are printed on it.
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List your full name, address and the best phone number where you will be available day or night in case the vehicle is found or officers need additional information about the vehicle.
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List the date and time of theft. Be as accurate as possible. If you left the vehicle for a long period of time, assume the theft occurred sometime after the vehicle was parked and before you returned to the scene. Include the street and address where the vehicle was parked and the name and phone number of the person who reported the vehicle stolen if this person wasn't you.
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Include every piece of information possible on your report, even the smallest details. Double-check street names, addresses and the time. Contact friends and family you talked to during the incident or use your own personal planner to better verify the time of the incident. These details are important, so be sure to get them correct.
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Provide an additional description of the event from any eye witnesses who might have seen the car theft take place. Have them describe the individuals who took the car, including their height, clothes and features. In addition, include an attached sheet of paper with your own statement about the vehicle's condition, using any visual clues investigators might need to identify it. Include a list of possible suspects if you feel this crime was committed by someone you know.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to writing your report, give the investigating officers a verbal statement and answer any questions they have about the vehicle.
References
Resources
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