Nobody wants a trip to the police station on their Costa Blanca to-do list. But if something is stolen, your property is damaged or you become the victim of another crime, you may need to make a denuncia.
A denuncia is the formal report used to record an alleged crime or other matter with the Spanish authorities. For expat residents, the process can feel daunting, particularly if Spanish is not your strongest language.
Fortunately, knowing what to take and where to go can make things considerably easier.
Where can you make a denuncia?
Depending on the circumstances and location, you can report an alleged crime to the National Police or the Guardia Civil.
The Policía Nacional says you can attend any of its police stations, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Guardia Civil also accepts reports in person. For non-urgent criminal complaints, it now operates an appointment system at all of its posts, allowing you to choose a location, date and time in advance.
For an emergency or a crime taking place at that moment, call 112. You can also call Policía Nacional on 091.
What should you take with you?
Bring identification, such as your passport, NIE or other valid identity document.
It also pays to arrive armed with as much useful information as possible. This might include dates and times, details of what happened, photographs or videos, information about witnesses and receipts or other proof of ownership for stolen property.
For a stolen mobile phone, Policía Nacional specifically recommends taking details such as the make, model, serial number and IMEI if you have them.
If police have already attended the incident, take any reference details they gave you.
You can also prepare a clear written account of what happened. Keep it factual and chronological rather than trying to decide for yourself what particular offence may have taken place.
Some Guardia Civil reports can now be completed entirely online
Unlike its older e-denuncia procedure, the current system does not require you to visit a Guardia Civil post afterwards to ratify the report. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The system covers a limited range of incidents, including damage, theft without violence, lost or found documents, vehicle theft, theft from vehicles and certain fraud or fraudulent charges carried out electronically.
The Guardia Civil’s telematic service is also available in English and several other European languages.
The National Police also operates an online reporting service for certain offences.
When should you go to the police in person?
Not everything belongs online.
The Guardia Civil says you should attend in person if violence or intimidation was involved, in cases involving gender violence or missing people, when the victim is a minor or person with a disability, when the alleged offender can be identified, or when an offence has just happened or is still taking place.
Its online system also cannot handle violent or sexual offences or cases involving witnesses.
Policía Nacional applies similar restrictions to its online reporting system.
If there is any doubt, particularly after a serious incident, going directly to the police is the safer option.
Do you need the denuncia for an insurance claim?
Quite possibly.
If you are reporting a burglary, theft or damage, your insurer may ask for a copy of the police report before processing a claim.
That makes it worth keeping the documentation you receive after making the denuncia, together with photographs, receipts and other evidence connected with the incident.
Most importantly, do not let uncertainty about Spanish paperwork put you off reporting something serious. A denuncia creates an official record of what happened and gives the authorities the information they need to investigate.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- A denuncia is a formal report made to the Spanish authorities.
- Take your passport, NIE or other valid identification with you.
- Bring relevant photographs, videos, receipts, witness details and information about stolen property.
- Policía Nacional stations accept reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Guardia Civil appointments are available for non-urgent reports.
- Some Guardia Civil denuncias can now be completed entirely online with an electronic signature.
- Serious, violent and certain other incidents must be reported in person.
- Call 112 when you need emergency assistance.
Let Bridging the Gap help you navigate through more Costa Blanca Red Tape.
