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How to Write a Police Complaint Letter: Format and 8 Samples

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Step-by-step guide on how to write a police complaint letter to the SHO, with eight samples, an FIR explainer and cybercrime tips.

By · Editorial policy

Bank & Official LettersEnglish
How to write a police complaint letter to SHO
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Here is how to write a police complaint letter: address it to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the police station that covers the place of the incident, write a clear subject, and give your full name, address and phone number. Then describe what happened in order: the date, time and place, what was lost or done, who was involved if known, any witnesses, and any proof such as bills, photos or screenshots. End by requesting registration of an FIR or suitable action, sign it, and keep a stamped copy or acknowledgement.

This guide covers the format, a fill-in letter, eight samples, the difference between an FIR and a general complaint, and what to do if police do not act.

Key Takeaways

  • Write to the SHO of the police station for the area where the incident happened.
  • Stick to facts: date, time, place, what happened and who was involved.
  • List stolen items with serial numbers, IMEI or bill details.
  • For serious (cognizable) offences, ask for an FIR; for cyber fraud, also call 1930.
  • Always get a receipt, diary number or FIR copy.

How to Write a Police Complaint Letter: Format

PartWhat to write
To,The Station House Officer, police station name, city
DateDate of writing
SubjectComplaint regarding ___ / Request to register FIR for ___
SalutationRespected Sir/Madam,
Your detailsName, parent’s or spouse’s name, address, phone
IncidentDate, time, place, what happened, in order
Loss or harmItems, amount, injuries, with identifying details
People involvedNames or descriptions if known; witnesses
ProofBills, photos, screenshots, medical report
RequestRegister FIR / take action / trace item
ClosingYours faithfully, signature, name, phone
How to write a police complaint letter: format

Write Your Complaint Letter

If you are unsure how to write a police complaint letter, fill in the fields on the right. The letter updates as you type; print, sign and submit it at the police station.

To,
The Station House Officer,
[Police station],
[City]

Date:

Subject: Complaint regarding [theft of my bicycle]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [your name], [son/daughter of ___], residing at [address], wish to report the following.

On [date and time], at [place], [describe what happened, in order].

[I have attached ___ as proof.] I request you to [register an FIR and take necessary action].

Yours faithfully,
[your name]
Phone: [phone number]

Fill your details

The letter updates as you type. Nothing is saved.

How to Write a Police Complaint Letter: 8 Samples

Names, places and numbers below are fictional or masked. Each sample shows how to write a police complaint letter with facts in order.

1. Theft of a two-wheeler

To,
The Station House Officer,
Kothrud Police Station,
Pune

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Request to register FIR for theft of my motorcycle

Respected Sir,

I, Rohan Pawar, son of Shri Suresh Pawar, residing at Flat 12, Shivam Apartments, Kothrud, report that my motorcycle (registration MH-12-XX-4521, black, engine and chassis numbers as per the attached RC copy) was stolen from the parking area of my building between 11 pm on 8 October and 6 am on 9 October 2026.

I request you to register an FIR and trace the vehicle. Copies of the RC, insurance and CCTV timing from the society office are attached.

Yours faithfully,
Rohan Pawar
Phone: 98XXXXXX34

2. Lost documents (for a lost report)

To,
The Station House Officer,
Civil Lines Police Station,
Kanpur

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Report of lost documents

Respected Sir,

I, Neha Sinha, residing at 12, Shastri Nagar, Kanpur, lost a brown folder containing my original Class X and XII marksheets while travelling by auto-rickshaw from the railway station to Shastri Nagar on 8 October 2026, around 7 pm.

I request you to record this loss and give me a copy of the report, which I need for duplicate documents.

Yours faithfully,
Neha Sinha

3. Online fraud

To,
The Station House Officer,
Cyber Cell / Salt Lake Police Station,
Kolkata

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Complaint regarding online fraud of ₹48,000

Respected Madam,

I, Arnab Ghosh, received a call on 8 October 2026 at 4:15 pm from a person claiming to be from my bank. On his instructions, I shared an OTP, and ₹48,000 was debited from my account in two transactions.

I reported the fraud on the 1930 helpline (complaint no. 31XX20) and to my bank at 4:50 pm. Bank statement, call log and SMS screenshots are attached. I request you to register an FIR and help recover the money.

Yours faithfully,
Arnab Ghosh
Phone: 97XXXXXX22

4. Harassment by phone

To,
The Station House Officer,
Vaishali Nagar Police Station,
Jaipur

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Complaint about repeated threatening calls

Respected Sir,

I, Sunita Sharma, have been receiving abusive and threatening calls and messages from mobile number 9XXXXXXX10 since 1 October 2026, mostly late at night.

Screenshots of messages and the call list are attached. I request you to take strict action and ensure my safety.

Yours faithfully,
Sunita Sharma

5. Theft from a house

To,
The Station House Officer,
Sector 7 Police Station,
Karnal

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Request to register FIR for house theft

Respected Sir,

I, Rohit Kumar, residing at House No. 45, Sector 7, returned from a family trip on 9 October 2026 at 8 am and found the main door lock broken. Gold jewellery (about 30 grams), ₹25,000 in cash and a laptop (serial no. XXXX8821) are missing.

A list of items and photos of the damage are attached. I request you to register an FIR and investigate.

Yours faithfully,
Rohit Kumar

6. Noise and nuisance by neighbours

To,
The Station House Officer,
Andheri Police Station,
Mumbai

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Complaint about loud music late at night

Respected Sir,

Residents of Green Park Society have faced loud music from Flat 402 after 11 pm on most nights since 20 September 2026. Requests to the residents and the society committee have not helped.

We request you to take action as per the law on noise at night. A list of affected residents is attached.

Yours faithfully,
Secretary, Green Park Society

7. Missing person (family member)

To,
The Station House Officer,
Sadar Police Station,
Agra

Date: 9 October 2026

Subject: Report of missing person – my father

Respected Sir,

My father, Shri Ramesh Yadav (68 years, height about 5 feet 6 inches, wearing a white kurta and grey trousers), left home at 7 am on 8 October 2026 for a walk and has not returned. He has mild memory problems.

His recent photo and our contact numbers are attached. I request you to register the report and search urgently.

Yours faithfully,
Deepak Yadav
Phone: 94XXXXXX45

8. Follow-up letter to the SHO

To,
The Station House Officer,
Kothrud Police Station,
Pune

Date: 20 October 2026

Subject: Status of FIR No. XXX/2026

Respected Sir,

I filed FIR No. XXX/2026 on 9 October 2026 regarding the theft of my motorcycle (MH-12-XX-4521). I request you to kindly share the status of the investigation.

Yours faithfully,
Rohan Pawar

FIR vs General Complaint

PointFIRGeneral complaint / report
Used forCognizable offences such as theft, robbery, assault, cheatingNon-cognizable matters or lost items
LawRegistered under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023Recorded as per police procedure
CopyYou are entitled to a free copyAsk for a receipt or report number
OnlineMany states allow e-FIR for certain offencesMany states allow online lost-article reports
FIR vs general complaint

You can also report a cognizable offence at any police station; it can be registered as a Zero FIR and transferred to the right station. If the police refuse to register an FIR, you can send the complaint to the Superintendent of Police, and you may approach a magistrate. This page gives letter formats only and is not legal advice.

Quick Help Numbers

SituationWhere to report
Emergency112
Cyber fraud or online financial fraud1930 helpline and cybercrime.gov.in
Women in distress181 (women helpline, in most states)
Helplines to use along with a police complaint letter

Tips on How to Write a Police Complaint Letter

  • Write soon. Report as early as possible, especially for fraud.
  • Be specific. Give times, amounts, serial numbers and descriptions.
  • Keep proof safe. Do not delete messages or call logs.
  • Get acknowledgement. Ask for a stamped copy, diary number or FIR copy.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Exaggeration. Stick to facts; false statements are an offence.
  • Missing contact details. Police need to reach you.
  • No proof list. Attach and list every document.
  • Waiting too long. Delay makes investigation harder.

Related Official Letters

Knowing how to write a police complaint letter builds on the formal letter writing format. For fraud involving your bank account, also write an application to bank manager. To raise a local problem publicly, use a letter to the editor. Hindi formats are on our हिंदी पत्र page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a police complaint letter?

Address the SHO, write a subject, give your details, describe the incident with date, time and place, list losses and proof, request an FIR or action, sign and keep a receipt.

Where should I submit a police complaint?

At the police station covering the area of the incident. For serious offences, any station can register a Zero FIR and transfer it.

What is the difference between an FIR and a complaint?

An FIR is registered for cognizable offences. Other matters are recorded as complaints or reports.

Can I file a police complaint online?

Many states offer online complaints and e-FIR for some offences. Check your state police website.

What if the police refuse to register my FIR?

You can send the complaint to the Superintendent of Police and may approach a magistrate.

Where do I report cyber fraud?

Call 1930 immediately and file a report on cybercrime.gov.in, then submit a written complaint if needed.

Should I keep a copy of the complaint?

Yes. Keep a copy with the police stamp, diary number or FIR copy.

Can I use this guide on how to write a police complaint letter for a Hindi letter?

Yes. Use the same structure in Hindi: सेवा में, थाना प्रभारी, subject, facts in order, request and signature.

Before You Submit

Now that you know how to write a police complaint letter, check the facts, dates, proof list and signature before submitting. More formats are in our bank and official letters section.

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