Whether you are going on holiday, or going to live in Spain permanently, you should be aware of the possibility of a crime happening to you whilst you are there. You should also know what you can do to try to avoid anything happening to you.

Although the crime rate is relatively low in Spain, it does happen. Tourists are particularly targeted in some instances, especially when it comes to crimes such as passport theft and car-related crimes.

Passport Crime

Passport crimes are on the increase in Spain. This involves organised gangs who steal passports and sell them on the black market, usually to illegal immigrants. To try and reduce the risk of this happening to you, only show your passport when absolutely necessary. If you are a victim of this crime, notify the police immediately and obtain a crime report, if possible. You should also contact the British Embassy as soon as possible to arrange for a replacement passport.

In order to obtain a replacement passport you will be required to do the following:

1. Complete a LSO1. You can obtain this from your nearest British Embassy Office. This will enable the relevant people to cancel your original passport.
2. You will need to provide the Embassy with a crime report from the police, if possible. Some police stations will not issue a report for passport theft. If this is the case, it is acceptable not to have one.
3. You will be required to fill out either a C1 form, for applicants aged 16 and over, or a C2 form for applicants under the age of 16.
4. You will also require evidence of your identity, preferably photographic evidence.

Due to the extensive checks required for lost or stolen passport applications, it can take longer than the usual 10 working days to complete the process. Should you need to travel home immediately, you may obtain an emergency passport which is valid for a one-way trip to the U.K. You will need to provide two passport-size photographs along with your application.

Car Crime

Theft from cars is as common in Spain as it is in the U.K. Cars belonging to tourists can attract thieves, especially when they are packed full of your holiday essentials. Be on your guard and always park in well-lit, busy areas. Ensure that your valuables are well hidden and your car is secure before leaving it. Check with your insurance company to ensure you have sufficient cover when abroad.

There have also been instances where British tourists have been ‘flagged-down’ by other motorists who have indicated that there is a problem with the car. Once the tourist has pulled over, they have been distracted and their valuables have been stolen. If you are being ‘flagged-down’ by another motorist, wait until you find a well-lit, busy service station before stopping and checking your vehicle.

Violent Crime

Violent crimes are extremely uncommon in Spain, but you should be aware of the possibility. Muggings and pick-pocketing are most likely to occur in the larger cities or busy areas which are popular with tourists. Keep your valuables close to your body and well out of sight.

Violent crimes such as rape are extremely rare in Spain, but if you are planning on a night out, make sure you buy your own drinks and keep them in sight at all times. This should ensure that your drink is not spiked with any ‘date rape’ drugs such as ‘GBH’ or liquid ecstasy. Be aware that in the majority of rape cases in Spain, it is other British Nationals that are committing the crime.

Terrorism

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in Spain over recent years. In March 2004, 192 people died and 1400 people were injured following bomb attacks on 3 trains in Madrid. This attack was reportedly at the hands of the International terrorist group representing Al Qa’ida.

As well as the International risk of terrorism in Spain, there is also a risk from the Basque terrorist group known as the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) who have recently ended their ceasefire. There have been numerous small bomb explosions in a number of hotels in cities across Spain. Due to prior warnings of these attacks, only minor damage and injury has occurred. Should you find yourself in a situation where a bomb threat has been issued, follow the advice of the Police carefully.

Lottery Scams

There have been instances of lottery scams across Spain in which a person appears to have official notification from the Spanish Inland Revenue Office stating that they have won the Spanish lottery. They have been asked to deposit money into a bank account to secure their win. You know it is a lottery scam if you are asked to pay any money up front, or if the contact telephone number is a mobile number.

Should you wish to take part in a lottery, then there is an official one run by the state. Tickets are available from shops which are called Loterias y Apuestas de Estado. The only restriction is that any prizes you win must stay in Spain or you face paying taxes on any amount won.

There is also a lottery run by ONCE (Organizacion Nacional de Ciegos Españoles). Tickets for this are available from green kiosks throughout Spain.

What If You Are A Victim Of Crime?

If you are unfortunate enough to be a victim of crime in Spain, contact the local Police immediately and make sure you get a Police report which you will need for any insurance claims. You can also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who can assist you by:

• Issuing replacement passports
• Providing information about transferring funds
• Contacting family or friends in the U.K.
• Providing help in the event of a serious assault or if you are in hospital
• Providing details of local lawyers, interpreters and doctors
• Offering basic information about the local Police and legal systems
• Offering support in a range of other situations such as the death of a relative in suspicious circumstances

For more information contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office .