Non-emergency crimes could be reported online within months, if a police trial is successful.
Home Secretary, Theresa May, has said using the internet would save police time and money for frontline work.
A trial is currently being tested by Surrey and Sussex Police and covers non-emergency offences, such as criminal damage and minor theft.
She said: "The growth in the internet has transformed other services – from shopping to banking – and it is right to give victims and witnesses greater choice over how they report issues to the police."
However, the Home Office stressed that victims of serious crimes, including rape burglary and assault, should still dial 999.
It is estimated that up to 180,000 officer hours a year could be saved by encouraging people to report crimes online.
The scheme is expected to go live within months.
