Reporting a crime in Eindhoven: online, by phone or at the police

In Eindhoven you report a crime (aangifte doen) online, by calling the police on 0900-8844 for an appointment, or at a police station; in an emergency you always call 112. Online reporting is only possible for less serious offences without violence, such as bicycle theft or online fraud; for violence, threats, a home burglary or a sexual offence, the police will want to speak to you in person.

What does it mean to file a police report?

Filing a report means telling the police that, in your view, a criminal offence has been committed. Anyone who knows of an offence may report it, not only the victim (Article 161 of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure, Sv); the report is recorded by an investigating officer and becomes part of the criminal file.

What is the difference between a report and a notification?

A report (aangifte) is a formal statement that is officially recorded, of which you receive a copy (Article 163 Sv), and which can lead to an investigation. A notification (melding) is only a signal to the police, for example about a suspicious situation or nuisance, without that formal status under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

A report keeps its legal status even if it is later withdrawn. The Supreme Court held on 4 December 2018 (ECLI:NL:HR:2018:2245) that a person who withdrew a false report of theft could still be convicted of making a false report. If you are unsure whether you want a report or a notification, say so at your first contact with the police.

How do you file a report?

Orally or in writing, in person or through someone with a written power of attorney (Article 163 Sv). For certain offences you can also report online.

The police must accept your report and may not turn it into a notification without good reason. Keep your copy of the report: your insurer needs it, and you need it if you later claim compensation.

When can you report online?

Online reporting through politie.nl, logging in with DigiD, is meant for less serious offences without violence or urgency. Typical examples are bicycle theft, pickpocketing, damage, theft from a car, online fraud and phishing.

If violence or threats were used, a home burglary is involved or the case is urgent, the website refers you to telephone contact or an appointment; after a home burglary the police normally visit you. For sexual offences, human trafficking or child abuse no standard online form is offered. When a crime is in progress or someone is in danger, always call 112.

What should you bring when you report?

Bring everything that helps the police understand what happened and who was involved; the police use it to decide whether an investigation is feasible.

• the date, time and location of the incident;
• names or descriptions of those involved;
• photographs, screenshots or camera footage;
• messages, emails or bank statements;
• contact details of any witnesses;
• an overview of the damage or stolen property, with receipts or proof of ownership.

Where can you go in Eindhoven?

If there is no emergency, call the police on 0900-8844 to make an appointment or ask for advice. For a report by appointment or a visit, Eindhoven has these police stations:

• Eindhoven Mathildelaan police station, Mathildelaan 4, Eindhoven;
• Eindhoven Noord police station, Michelangelolaan 4, Eindhoven;
• Eindhoven Zuid police station, Aalsterweg 290, Eindhoven.

Check the current opening hours and whether you need an appointment on politie.nl beforehand. This can differ per station and per type of offence.

What happens after you file a report?

The report goes without delay to the (assistant) public prosecutor (Article 156 Sv), who starts an investigation where needed (Article 149 Sv). The Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie, OM) then decides whether to prosecute, to issue a penalty order (strafbeschikking) or to drop the case, for example for lack of evidence.

The decision lies with the OM, not with you. A victim’s wish that the suspect is not prosecuted does not bind the OM, as the District Court of Noord-Nederland confirmed on 13 February 2026 (ECLI:NL:RBNNE:2026:572).

The exception is a complaint offence (klachtdelict), such as stalking (Article 285b of the Dutch Criminal Code, Sr) or defamation. The OM can then only prosecute if the victim also files a formal complaint (klacht), which can be withdrawn within eight days after filing (Article 67 Sr).

What are your rights as a victim?

On request you are informed of, among other things, a decision not to investigate or prosecute, the date of the court hearing and the judgment (Article 51ac Sv). You can join the criminal case as an injured party (benadeelde partij) and claim compensation (Article 51f Sv), and for serious offences you may speak at the hearing.

Victim Support Netherlands (Slachtofferhulp Nederland) can help you prepare a compensation claim or a victim statement.

What if the OM decides not to prosecute?

As a directly interested party, you can file a written complaint with the court of appeal (Article 12 Sv) within three months after you were notified of the decision. The court of appeal can order the OM to prosecute, but rarely does, so the complaint needs a clear explanation supported by the case documents.

Why must a report be truthful?

Filing a report of an offence you know did not take place is itself a criminal offence (Article 188 Sr). The Amsterdam District Court convicted someone for exactly that on 27 September 2024 (ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:6109), and withdrawing the report afterwards does not undo it.

What should you check if you file a report?

A complete report from the start gives the police the best basis to act.

• Choose the right channel: online, 0900-8844 or 112.
• Bring evidence, witness details and an overview of your damage.
• Ask for a copy of your report and keep it.
• Ask to be kept informed under Article 51ac Sv.
• For stalking or defamation, file a formal complaint as well.

What should you check if a report is filed against you?

A report alone does not mean you will be prosecuted, but it can lead to an invitation for a police interview as a suspect.

• You have the right to remain silent (Article 29 Sv).
• You have the right to consult a lawyer before the first police interview (Article 28c Sv).
• Ask what offence you are suspected of before you give a statement.
• Ask for a copy of your statement and read it carefully before signing.

What can we do for you with a police report?

Our criminal lawyers assist victims and suspects in and around Eindhoven.

• We help you prepare the report and the evidence.
• We draft your claim as an injured party (Article 51f Sv).
• We file an Article 12 Sv complaint with the court of appeal within the three-month deadline.
• We assist you as a suspect before and during the police interview.

Summary

• Anyone who knows of a criminal offence may report it (Article 161 Sv); the police must accept the report.
• Report online for simple, non-violent offences; call 0900-8844 or visit a police station for anything more serious, and 112 in an emergency.
• The OM decides whether to prosecute; for complaint offences such as stalking, a formal complaint is required.
• As a victim, you can claim compensation and complain to the court of appeal within three months if there is no prosecution.
• A knowingly false report is a criminal offence (Article 188 Sr).

Frequently asked questions