Should You Report a Stolen Phone to the Police? How To
Yes — and here's how to do it quickly and properly: online report, IMEI number, network blocking and insurance. The 2026 guide for Quebec and Canada.
We often tell ourselves “what's the point, the police will never find it.” That's a mistake. Reporting your stolen phone is still an essential step — to get the device blocked, protect yourself against fraud, support an insurance claim and, sometimes, recover your property.
In Quebec and across Canada, filing a report takes just a few minutes and can often be done online, without leaving home. Here's exactly what to prepare, where to report, and how to turn this step into real protection.
No report, no insurance or blocking
Most insurers require a police report number to reimburse a stolen device. And until the theft is reported, the phone can keep working — or be resold — at the expense of your accounts.
The short answerYes, in almost every case
Reporting a stolen phone serves four concrete purposes. First, getting the device blocked: once shared with your carrier, the IMEI number is added to a national blacklist that prevents the phone from working on Canadian networks. Second, protecting yourself against fraud: a dated report documents when you lost control of the device. Third, insurance: most home insurance policies or device protection plans require a police report number. Finally, recovery: if the police find the device, they can return it to you — provided it has been reported and can be identified by its IMEI.
Any exception?
If the device has very little value and no insurance is involved, some choose not to report it. But as soon as it holds sensitive data or payment apps, reporting remains strongly recommended.
The how-toHow to report a theft, step by step
Secure the device first
Even before the police, act fast: mark the phone as lost (“Find My” / Find My Device), lock it remotely and call your carrier to suspend the line. These steps limit the damage while you prepare your report.
Gather the right information
The police will ask for: the IMEI number (dial *#06# to display it, or ask your carrier), the make, the model, the serial number, the device's value, plus the date, time and place of the theft. Also note a description of the suspect(s) and their direction of escape.
Choose the right channel
If the theft is violent or in progress, call 911. Otherwise, most police services in Quebec (SPVM, Quebec City, Laval…) accept an online report or an appointment at the neighbourhood station.
File the report (often online)
With the SPVM, you can file an online report yourself without travelling if the value of the stolen goods is under $10,000. List each item with a serial number individually — that includes your phone.
Keep the report number
At the end, you receive a report (or event) number. Keep it safe: it's required by your insurer and useful to your carrier. Without it, you can't prove the report was filed.
The best police report is the one you never have to file
Reporting a theft means time, stress and no guarantee of seeing your phone again. Prevention starts before a theft. A physical attachment can make the phone harder to snatch, but cannot guarantee that it will stay attached in every situation. Check the current product page and the model's usage instructions.
Send the IMEI to your carrier
Reporting to the police doesn't block the device by itself. Report the theft to your provider too: it adds your IMEI to the national blacklist (CWTA), which can take up to 48 h and blocks the device on all participating Canadian networks — and even on some U.S. networks.
Watch for fraud and change your passwords
Change the passwords for your email, your banking apps and your Apple or Google ID. Disable Apple Pay and Google Pay remotely, and monitor your statements. You can also check an IMEI's status (handy before buying a used phone) at DeviceCheck.ca.
The right channelReport online, at the station or via 911?
Each situation has its channel. Above all, remember that the police report and the carrier's blocking are two separate steps: to be well protected, do both.
| Channel | When to use it | Report number | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 911 | Violent theft or in progress | Via the officer | Immediate |
| Online report | Simple theft, under $10,000 | Yes | 15-30 min |
| Neighbourhood station | Complex case or evidence | Yes | Variable |
| Carrier (IMEI) | In parallel, always | No | Up to 48 h |
The report number is mainly for insurance; the IMEI blocking goes through your carrier. The two are complementary.
Discover LOCKÜP
Check the current product page for price, availability, included components and compatibility before choosing.
View the product page →Frequently asked questionsReporting a theft: your questions
Is it worth reporting if I won't get the phone back?
Yes. Reporting lets you get the device blocked, support an insurance claim and document the theft if fraudulent activity occurs afterwards. And if the police find the device, they can return it to you.
What information do the police ask for?
The IMEI number, the make, the model, the serial number, the device's value, plus the date, time and place of the theft. A description of the suspects and their direction of escape also helps.
Can I report the theft online?
In Quebec, yes in many cases (SPVM, Quebec City, Laval…), if there was no violence and the value of the goods is under $10,000. Otherwise, call 911 or visit the station.
Does reporting automatically block my phone?
No. You also need to notify your carrier, which adds the IMEI to the national blacklist (CWTA). Network blocking can take up to 48 h.
How can I avoid having to report a theft?
A physical attachment can reduce the risk of drops or snatching, but cannot guarantee that theft will never happen. It complements awareness and security settings; it is not a GPS tracker.
Keep your phone within reach
Keep your settings up to date, then attach your phone. The LOCKÜP™ bracelet installs in seconds and goes everywhere with you.
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