Please include the following information in the narrative of your theft report, if known:

• A detailed description of all stolen items, including any serial numbers, and the value of each item.
• When the items were last seen and when there were found to be missing.

Only theft can be reported using the online reporting system.

If the theft you are reporting included some form of forcible entry, unlawful entry or attempted forcible entry into a structure, then this should be reported as a burglary.

To report a burglary or robbery, please call the Novato Police Department at (415) 897-4361 or visit the Police Department at 909 Machin Avenue.

Below are simple examples of theft, burglary and robbery. These examples are provided as an aid to help you understand whether you can use the online crime report process.

Theft/Larceny – Simple example: Someone takes your property without your consent and where the theft did not involve breaking into your house or dwelling and threatening you. If the perpetrator did unlawfully enter a structure, then it would be considered a burglary.

If someone breaks into your car and steals your property, that is considered larceny, and may be reported online as “Theft from Vehicle.”

Burglary – Simple example: Someone breaks in to your house with or without force, and steals your belongings. (Applies to thefts from buildings but not from cars)

Robbery – Simple example: Someone threatens you face-to-face and takes or attempts to take your property. In this example the robbery is different from theft in that force or fear is involved in the form of threats, violence or intimidation of the victim.

Tips for preventing future theft

• Lock your home and vehicle
• Remove valuables from your vehicle
• Consider installing motion detecting lights in under-lit areas of your home

Upon completion of this report process you will:

• Be able to print a copy of the police report to keep for your records
• Be given a police report case number

See the words: "your online police report has been submitted" showing that your police report is complete.