How To Report A Burglary Or Theft In Spain

If you own a home in Spain — whether it’s your full-time residence or a holiday property — the risk of burglary or theft can feel especially unsettling. Break-ins still happen, particularly in coastal and rural areas where many homes sit empty for long stretches. Knowing exactly what to do in those first few hours after a burglary or theft will help you stay calm, protect your property, and ensure your insurance claim is valid.

Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide explaining how to report a burglary or theft in Spain, what to include in your police report (denuncia), and the key precautions you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a target.

Secure Your Home Before Anything Happens

Prevention is the most effective defence. Burglars tend to target homes that appear empty or poorly secured. If your property is a second home or holiday home, install an alarm system and motion-activated lights, lock shutters when you’re away, and ask a neighbour or property manager to check the premises periodically. Properties with visible deterrents — cameras, smart locks, and signage — are statistically less likely to be burgled.

Keep an up-to-date inventory of everything in your home. Photograph rooms, note serial numbers, and store digital copies of receipts in secure cloud storage. Include jewellery, electronics, tools, furniture, and artwork. This record will prove invaluable for your insurance claim and police report.

If You Discover a Break-In

Walking into a ransacked property is shocking, but you must stay composed. Step back outside and ensure your safety. Do not enter if there’s any chance the burglar is still inside. Move to a safe distance and call the police immediately.

Emergency and Police Numbers in Spain

• 112 – General emergency number (connects to all emergency services)
• 091 – Policía Nacional (national police in urban areas)
• 062 – Guardia Civil (rural zones and small towns)
• 088 – Mossos d’Esquadra (regional police in Catalonia)
• 092 – Policía Local (local town or city police)

In the Basque Country, call the Ertzaintza on 112, and in Navarra, the Policía Foral respond through the same number. Operators on 112 can often speak English or connect you to an interpreter.

You can also read our guide to emergency numbers in Spain.

Use the AlertCops App

The Spanish Ministry of Interior provides a free security app called AlertCops, available for both iOS and Android. It allows residents and visitors to communicate directly with police, report incidents, send their live location, and even attach photos or videos. You can switch to English in the app’s settings. It’s particularly useful if you feel unsafe or struggle to explain your location over the phone.

Don’t Touch Anything

While waiting for officers to arrive, avoid disturbing the scene. Don’t move items, sweep up broken glass, or attempt to search for missing objects. Police will check for fingerprints and other forensic evidence. If you must go inside, take photos from the doorway only. Note any obvious damage or missing items without rearranging furniture or touching surfaces.

Filing a Police Report (Denuncia)

To legally report the crime, you must file a denuncia. Without it, the burglary or theft will not officially exist — meaning your insurer cannot process a claim. You must file it within 48 hours of discovering the crime.

There are several ways to file a denuncia:

• Online: Visit the Policía Nacional online platform. Once you submit the form, you must attend a police station within 48 hours to sign and confirm it in person.
  
  
• By phone: Call the English-language reporting line on 902 102 112 (daily from 9:00 to 21:00). An English-speaking officer will take your statement and arrange an appointment at the nearest station for signature.
  
  
• In person: Visit any Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil station. Bring your passport or residency card (NIE/TIE), proof of address, and documentation proving ownership of the stolen goods (receipts, photos, or serial numbers).

If you later realise additional items are missing, you can return to the same station and add them to your original report.

Filing for Theft Without Force

If you’ve had something stolen but there’s no sign of forced entry — for example, a handbag stolen in a restaurant or your phone taken on a bus — you must still file a denuncia. The procedure is identical, and in many cases, recovered items are matched to their owners using serial numbers or IMEI codes.

Reporting Stolen Passports or Documents

If your passport, ID card, or driving licence has been stolen, file a denuncia immediately and request a copy stamped by the police. This document will be needed to apply for a replacement at your embassy or consulate. Many embassies in Spain now require you to book an appointment online and bring a police report before they will issue an emergency passport or travel document.

Check the Translation Carefully

The police report will be written in Spanish. Read it thoroughly before signing to ensure all information is correct. Errors or omissions can delay investigations or insurance claims. If you are not fluent, bring a translator or a trusted bilingual friend.

Documents You May Need

• Passport, residency card, or NIE
  
  
• Proof of address in Spain
  
  
• Insurance policy details
  
  
• List and estimated values of stolen items
  
  
• Photos, receipts, or appraisals proving ownership
  
  
• Bank or card statements if payment cards were stolen

Insurance Claims and Next Steps

Once your denuncia is filed, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers in Spain require notification within 7 days. Provide them with a copy of your police report, photos of the damage, and a detailed list of stolen items. They may send a perito (loss adjuster) to inspect the property and verify damages before approving your claim.

If documents or reports are not in Spanish, your insurer may ask for an official translation (traducción jurada). Keep all correspondence and receipts for temporary repairs. If you must secure the property immediately (such as replacing locks or windows), take photos before work begins and request itemised invoices.

Burglary in Hotels, Rentals, or Cars

If the theft occurs in a hotel or registered tourist accommodation, inform hotel staff immediately. They are legally required to assist in contacting police and documenting the event. You will still need your own denuncia for stolen personal items.

For theft from a vehicle, do not move the car until police arrive. Vehicle break-ins are handled the same way as property burglaries. Provide your registration, insurance details, and a list of missing belongings. If your car itself has been stolen, you must file the denuncia before your insurer or the traffic authority (DGT) will act on it.

Burglary in Rural Areas

The Guardia Civil handles most rural burglaries, including theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, or fuel. These units have specialist divisions for rural crime (ROCA teams) who investigate thefts in farming zones. Always provide photographs, serial numbers, or identifying marks to increase the chance of recovery.

Recovering Stolen Property

Spanish police occasionally recover stolen goods during raids or inspections of second-hand markets. To reclaim them, you must present proof of ownership and a copy of your denuncia. If you are contacted about recovered property, act quickly — storage facilities will only hold items for a limited time before disposal or auction.

What Happens After You File

Once your denuncia is validated, the police will open a case and assign it a reference number. Investigators may contact you for further information or to view security footage if available. Minor theft cases may be closed without result, but serious or repeated burglaries are prioritised. If you have CCTV, upload copies to a secure drive and note the time and date stamps clearly.

How to Protect Your Home and Belongings

Take these practical steps to reduce your risk:

• Install high-quality locks, security doors, and window bars where appropriate.
  
  
• Join your local neighbourhood WhatsApp or community watch group.
  
  
• Set timers for lights when you’re away for long periods.
  
  
• Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving keys under mats or flowerpots.
  
  
• Don’t advertise your absence on social media.
  
  
• Arrange for post and deliveries to be collected while you’re away.
  
  
• Register valuables and mark them with a unique ID using ultraviolet pens or engraving.
  
  
• Use the AlertCops app to report suspicious behaviour in real time.

Stay Realistic and Document Everything

Spanish police and insurers scrutinise burglary reports closely to prevent fraud. Only list items you can prove ownership of. Fabricating losses can result in prosecution. Keep a digital folder with photos, receipts, and insurance details, and update it every few months.

Staying Informed and Supported

Spain’s Ministry of Interior publishes annual crime statistics and safety advice. For ongoing support, expat communities often run English-speaking neighbourhood watch groups. Many local councils (ayuntamientos) now distribute safety leaflets in English and work directly with foreign residents to reduce rural crime.

For more information on reporting crimes in Spain, visit our guide Denuncia: How To Report A Crime In Spain.

Peace of Mind While Living in Spain

Protecting your property is important — but so is protecting your health. Whether you’re a permanent resident or spend part of the year in Spain, private health cover ensures quick access to English-speaking doctors and hospitals when you need them. Explore our range of Sanitas health insurance plans and find the policy that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Sources
Policía Nacional – Online Denuncia
Ministerio del Interior Spain
Guardia Civil Spain
AlertCops App Spain