How to Report Crimes in Canada: A Newcomer's Guide (2026)

How to Report Crimes in Canada: A Newcomer's Guide (2026)

Understanding how to report crimes and access victim services is essential for your safety and well-being in Canada. The Canadian justice system is designed to protect everyone, regardless of immigration status. Whether you're a permanent resident, temporary worker, international student, or refugee, you have the same right to police protection and victim services as any Canadian citizen.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if:

• Someone's life is in danger

• A crime is happening right now

• There's a fire or medical emergency

• Someone is seriously injured

• You witness a violent crime

• You see a dangerous situation (impaired driver, serious car accident)

When you call 911, the operator will ask: "Do you need police, fire, or ambulance?" State your need clearly. The operator will then ask for your location and details about the emergency. Stay on the line until the operator tells you it's okay to hang up.

Important: 911 services are available in English and French, and many dispatch centres can connect you with interpretation services in other languages. Don't let language barriers stop you from calling in an emergency.

Non-Emergency Police Lines

For situations that are not emergencies but still need police attention, use your local police non-emergency number:

• Toronto: 416-808-2222

• Vancouver: 604-717-3321

• Montreal: 514-280-2222

• Ottawa: 613-236-1222

• Calgary: 403-266-1234

• Edmonton: 780-423-4567

• RCMP (national): Check RCMP Detachment Finder for your local detachment

Use the non-emergency line for:

• Reporting a crime that has already occurred (theft, vandalism, property damage)

• Filing a police report for insurance purposes

• Reporting suspicious activity

• Noise complaints

• Requesting a police records check

Online Reporting

Many Canadian police services now allow you to file reports online for certain non-emergency crimes. This is convenient for incidents like:

• Theft under $5,000 (where the suspect is unknown)

• Mischief/vandalism to property

• Lost property

• Hit-and-run accidents (no injuries)

• Theft from vehicles

Check your local police service's website for their online reporting portal. For example, the Toronto Police Service and Vancouver Police Department both offer online reporting systems.

Specific Types of Crime Reporting

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is taken very seriously in Canada. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available:

• Call 911 if you're in immediate danger

• National crisis line: 1-866-863-0511 (Assaulted Women's Helpline)

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (for youth)

• Contact your local women's shelter for safe housing

Your immigration status will not be affected by reporting domestic violence. This is a common fear among newcomers, but Canadian law protects victims regardless of their status. The Department of Justice Canada provides information on family violence resources.

Hate Crimes

A hate crime is a criminal offence motivated by bias against a person's race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or other protected characteristic. Canada takes hate crimes seriously—they carry enhanced penalties under the Criminal Code.

Report hate crimes to your local police. You can also report online hate speech to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Fraud and Scams

Newcomers are unfortunately frequent targets of fraud. Common scams include:

• Fake CRA calls demanding immediate payment

• Immigration scams (fake IRCC communications)

• Employment scams (asking for money upfront for jobs)

• Rental scams (fake listings requesting deposits)

Report fraud to:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501

• Your local police

• Your bank (if financial information was compromised)

Cybercrime

Report cybercrime (hacking, online harassment, identity theft) to your local police and the RCMP National Cybercrime Coordination Centre.

Workplace Safety Violations

If your workplace is unsafe, report it to your provincial occupational health and safety authority. You are protected from retaliation for reporting safety concerns. The Government of Canada's workplace health and safety page provides links to provincial authorities.

Victim Services

Canada provides extensive support services for crime victims:

Provincial Victim Services

Every province operates victim services programs that provide:

• Emotional support and crisis counselling

• Information about the criminal justice process

• Court accompaniment

• Help with victim impact statements

• Referrals to community services

• Financial compensation programs (in some provinces)

Victim Compensation

Several provinces offer financial compensation to victims of violent crime for expenses like:

• Medical and dental treatment not covered by provincial health insurance

See also: Canadian Healthcare System Guide

• Counselling and therapy

• Lost wages

• Funeral expenses

• Relocation costs (for domestic violence victims)

Restraining Orders and Peace Bonds

If someone is threatening or harassing you, you can apply for:

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

• A peace bond (Section 810 of the Criminal Code) — A court order requiring the person to keep the peace and stay away from you

• A restraining order (provincial family law) — Used in domestic situations to prohibit contact

Legal aid services can help you with these applications if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Your Rights as a Crime Victim

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights guarantees you:

See also: LINC & ELSA English Programs

• Right to information — About the criminal justice system and the status of your case

• Right to protection — Your security and privacy will be considered

• Right to participation — You can present a victim impact statement and have your views considered

• Right to restitution — The court can order the offender to pay you for financial losses

Immigration Status and Reporting

This deserves emphasis: your immigration status does not affect your right to report crimes or access victim services. Police in Canada generally do not ask about immigration status when you report a crime. Several cities have adopted "sanctuary city" or "access without fear" policies that explicitly separate immigration enforcement from police services.

If you're a victim of human trafficking or forced labour, special immigration protections may be available to you, including Temporary Resident Permits. Contact IRCC or a legal aid organization for assistance.

Tips for Newcomers

• Save emergency numbers in your phone: 911, your local non-emergency police line, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

• Document incidents — Take photos, save messages, note dates and times

• Don't be afraid to report — The police are there to help you, not judge your status

• Seek support — Settlement agencies can help you navigate the system and access interpreters

• Know your tenant rights — If crime occurs in your rental property, you have specific protections. Read our tenant insurance guide for more on protecting yourself as a renter

Canada is generally a safe country, but knowing how to report crimes and access support services ensures you can protect yourself and your family. Don't hesitate to reach out for help—the system exists to serve everyone in Canada.

Victim Support and Resources for Newcomers

Reporting a crime is an important first step, but the journey doesn't end there. If you have been a victim of a crime, Canada offers a network of support services designed to help you recover and navigate the justice system. These services are often available free of charge and are confidential.

What to Expect from Victim Services:

• Emotional Support: Access to counselling and support groups to help cope with the trauma.
• Information and Advocacy: Understanding your rights, the court process, and updates on the investigation or legal proceedings.
• Practical Assistance: Help with safety planning, emergency housing, financial assistance applications, or navigating social services.
• Court Support: Assistance if you need to testify in court, including preparing for court and accompaniment.

Each province and territory has its own victim services programs. You can find general information about victim services across Canada on the Government of Canada's Justice website. For specific local resources, including contact information for victim services in your area, our AI Navigator can help you quickly find relevant support organizations tailored to your location and needs. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and these services are there to help you rebuild and feel safe again.

For more details on available support, visit: Victim Services in Canada - Justice Canada

Preventing Common Scams and Protecting Yourself

Newcomers can sometimes be targeted by scammers who try to take advantage of unfamiliarity with Canadian systems and laws. Being aware of common scams and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. Here are some prevalent types of scams:

• Immigration Scams: Fraudsters may pose as immigration officials or consultants, demanding fees for services that are free or making false promises about faster immigration processes. Always verify credentials and remember that official government communication will rarely involve urgent requests for gift cards or wire transfers.
• Employment Scams: Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true, require upfront payment for training or background checks, or ask for personal banking information before an official offer is made. Use legitimate job boards and verify company details.
• Rental Scams: Scammers post fake rental listings, often at attractive prices, and pressure you to send a deposit before you've seen the property or signed a lease. Always view a property in person or through a trusted representative before sending any money. Our Housing Guide offers tips on finding legitimate housing and avoiding common pitfalls.
• CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) Scams: The CRA will never demand immediate payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, nor will they threaten immediate arrest. If you receive a suspicious call or email claiming to be from the CRA, hang up or delete the email and contact the CRA directly through official channels.

To protect yourself, always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal information or money. Never share your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking details, or passport information unless you are absolutely sure of the recipient'...

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
• Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
• Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
• Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services

Related Guides

• Calling 911 in Canada: A Complete Emergency Guide for
• Canadian Weather Alerts and Emergency Preparation
• Canadian Potluck Etiquette for Newcomers (2026)

Official Government Sources

• IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Immigrate to Canada — Official Programs
• IRCC Processing Times
• IRCC Visas and Entry Requirements
• Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship Services
• Canadian Citizenship Resources