Crime reporting is moving online in Menlo Park.
For victims of a nonviolent crime such as theft, vehicle burglary or vandalism with no suspect information, the Menlo Park Police Department has a form to fill out on the Web at www.menloparkpolice.com. The link is located on the bottom right.
The online report is optional, an alternative to having an officer write the report at the police station or at the scene of the crime, Menlo Park Police Sgt. Sharon Kaufman said in a statement.
Other crimes that can be reported online include lost property, identity theft, hit-and-run, harassing phone calls and vehicle tampering.
The program began Monday, June 9. The form takes a few minutes to fill in and can be canceled at any point before clicking on a link to submit it.
There are situations for which this form should not be used:
• Emergencies. In an emergency in which persons or property are in jeopardy, call 911.
• Freeway incidents. Call the California Highway Patrol.
• Crimes that happen outside Menlo Park city limits. Call the appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Crimes in which the victim can provide information on a suspect. Call the Menlo Park police at 330-6317.
