Steps to take if you are robbed while abroad
1
Cancel credit and debit cards
One of the first steps to take in the event of theft is to cancel your credit or debit cards as soon as possible. Communicate with your bank or use the mobile apps that many banking entities offer to block the cards. A quick cancellation will prevent thieves from abusing them
2
Go to the embassy or consulate
If your passport has been stolen while abroad or another important document, such as a national identity card, you need to go to the nearest embassy or consulate. They will help you arrange for a temporary document that will enable you to return home. You will sometimes need to provide two photographs and fill in a sworn declaration to confirm the loss or theft of your documentation. Remember that for European Union citizens there are agreements in place that allow for a certain amount of flexibility for travelling within the Schengen area without a passport, but you must have proof of the police report.
3
File a report at the local police station
Reporting the theft in the area’s police station is essential. This step is also vital for obtaining proof of the police report, which will not only help you process the replacement of your documents, but you will also need it to make any claims from your insurance company. This document is sometimes needed to avoid fraudulent charges and to protect your identity. Make sure you provide information about everything that has been stolen, such as your mobile phone, passport, money or any other item of value.
4
Notify your telephone company
If your mobile phone has been stolen, get in touch with your telephone company to block your number and prevent thieves from abusing the service. Some companies allow you to block your device remotely to protect personal information.
5
Contact your insurer
If you have taken out travel insurance, this is the time to contact the company. Even though the cover for theft is limited to documents and keys, contact SegurCaixa Adeslas so that we can explain the steps you need to take and the kind of assistance we can provide for your situation.
If your luggage has been stolen, SegurCaixa Adeslas covers this when it is the responsibility of the transport carrier, so when you are not being transported it is not covered.
FAQs
If they take all your belongings, the first thing to do is to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to ask for assistance and to obtain temporary documentation. It is also essential to file a report at the local police station so that you can claim any losses or reimbursements.
If your mobile is stolen, the first thing to do is to contact your telephone company to block the SIM card so that no unauthorised charges can be made. Then, file a report at the local police station.
Lost documents, such as an ID card or passport, must be reported immediately at the local police station. Then, contact the Spanish embassy or consulate to ask them to issue provisional documents that will let you return home. If you have taken out travel insurance, you can also notify your insurer for assistance with the processes involved and so that they can cover the associated costs.
If your suitcase is stolen, go to the local police station to file a report. Then, contact your insurer who can help you cover the cost of the stolen items and any additional expenses you may have as a result of the loss. It is important to always have to hand a list of the contents of your suitcase because you may be asked for this information when it comes to reimbursing you.
