Prince William County Police Department

Theft typically applies to any property, including money, taken during a phyiscal act without force, threat, or intimidation. In the event the items were taken by force, threat, or intimidation, that would likely be considered a robbery and should not be reported online. Theft can include a larceny or theft from a building, a vehicle or of vehicle/auto parts, a purse or bag, or pick-pocketing. Types of property loss are below, including when the offense(s) can be reported online. 

Theft from Auto

• If incident occurred more than an hour ago, and you wish to prosecute those involved in court.
• If stolen items involve the theft of a catalytic converter, airbag, or license plate; the total value of stolen property is more than $1,000; or the property consisted of law enforcement equipment, military equipment, a firearm, or narcotics/medications (drugs), a report cannot be filed online. These incidents must be reported to our non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.  

Shoplifting / Other Theft Offenses

• If suspect is unknown and not on scene.
• If suspect is known, but you do not want to prosecute. 
• If the total value of stolen property is more than $1,000 and you wish to prosecute, a report cannot be filed online. These incidents must be reported to our non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.  

Lost Property

• Unless property lost is a firearm or narcotics/medications (drugs).

Damages to property typically applies to any destruction that is permanent and/or causes financial loss to repair or replace. If the damage, such as spray-painting, can be easily removed, the incident may not require a report. There are times the incident needs to be documented regardless, such as those involving a hate bias or motivation to a protected class. Those incidents should not be reported online. Types of damages to property are below, including when the offense(s) can be reported online. 

Destruction of Property / Vandalism

• If suspect is unknown.
• If the incident is believed to have a hate bias or motivation, or the property is a church, school, military recruiting center, or county owned, and you wish to prosecute, the incident must be reported to our non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. 

Hit and Run & Crashes on Private Property

• If the offense occurred on private property (i.e. business parking lot).
• The suspect is unknown. 
• The suspect vehicle tag is unknown.
• If the incident involves an injury, uncooperative party, or if information is unable to be exhanged, the incident must be reported to our non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Throwing Missiles 

• If occurred within the last hour, or an ongoing incident, it must be reported to our non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.  

These type of offenses typically apply to instances of deception involving property, mostly monetary, loss or the attempt to obtain such items through dishonest scheme, like scams. Types of these offenses are below, including when the offense(s) can be reported online. If you are the victim of a financial crime, please review our Resources and Information page for additional resources and reporting abilities.

Defrauding an Innkeeper (Hotel, Motel, Campground, Boardinghouse, etc.) or Vehicle for Hire 

• If suspect is unknown.

Fraud, i.e., Credit Card Fraud, Credit Card Theft, Identity Theft, etc.

• If the suspect is unknown and/or the offense happened outside of Prince William County.

Computer Crime / Internet Offenses (i.e. Scams) 

• If suspect is unknown and the offense happened outside of Prince William County.

Laws in Virginia concerning harassment typically include either harassment by computer, or using certain language over "public airways"/other methods. When the offense(s) can be reported online is below.

Harassing Texts, Calls, or Emails 

• If suspect is unknown and the offense happened outside of Prince William County.

A supplemental report is when additional information has been obtained to add to an existing report already filed online or with an officer.