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How Do I Report a Crime in Italy?
When travelling or living abroad, it is important to understand how to navigate local legal systems, especially in the event of a crime. If you live in Italy or are just visiting, there are steps you can take if you witness or become a victim of a crime. Reporting a crime in Italy can seem like an unnerving task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local laws. An Italian criminal lawyer will help you take the right steps.
In this guide, we will explore the process of reporting a crime in Italy, as well as what you should do if you are the victim of a crime. We will also discuss reporting an Italian crime when you live in England, how you lodge a police report in Italy, and how our Italian lawyers at Giambrone and Partners can assist.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Discover what is expected when you report a crime in Italy
If you are the victim of an Italian crime, there are steps you can take
Find out whether it is possible to report a crime that happened in Italy on your return to England
Here are the steps you can take to lodge a police report in Italy
Here is how we can assist
What is the Process for Reporting a Crime in Italy?
There are two processes for reporting a crime in Italy, depending on whether you are a victim of the crime or a witness. If you are the victim of an Italian crime, your first action must be to call the emergency number 112. Like calling 999 in the UK, the operator will then direct you to the relevant services. Non-emergency crimes can be reported at a local police station (stazione di polizia), whereas thefts can be reported to the carabinieri online.
When reporting a crime at the police station, you must bring valid ID with you and provide as much detail about the crime as possible. Contact your home consulate if your ID has been stolen.
If you witness a crime, there is no legal obligation in Italy to report it. However, there are instances in which reporting a crime becomes mandatory, including terrorism, the discovery of explosives, receiving counterfeit currency and if a weapon or explosive device you own is stolen. Witnesses can follow the same protocol as victims by calling 112 or visiting a local police station.
You should contact an Italian criminal lawyer if you have witnessed a serious crime or have been a victim to help guide you through the process.
What Should I Do if I am the Victim of a Crime in Italy?
If you are the victim of a crime in Italy, you can call 112 in serious emergencies, visit your local police station, or get in contact with your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. You should follow all the steps mentioned previously and seek legal advice.
By getting in touch with the Embassy, you can receive help with understanding local police procedures, find medical treatment and contact your relatives if your phone has been lost or stolen. However, the British Consulate cannot give legal advice, collect evidence or give you any financial help. By contacting a multilingual Italian lawyer, you will be supported from the minute you report a crime and throughout any legal proceedings that may follow.
Get in touch with our experienced international lawyers today
Can You Report a Crime that took place in Italy from England?
It is possible to report an Italian crime from England but it is advised that you report the crime before leaving the country. Investigating a crime when one party is in another country can be difficult, and can slow down proceedings. You can also report the crime to UK police.
From England, you can contact the Italian authorities directly. For more serious crimes, such as human trafficking or cybercrime, you can report the crime to international organisations such as Europol, who can communicate with Italian authorities on your behalf.
You can also report a crime in Italy from the UK via a multilingual Italian lawyer who can speed up processes where they might be delayed due to the involvement of different countries. Our Italian lawyers at Giambrone and Partners can translate documents on your behalf and communicate with the relevant authorities, easing your stress and working tirelessly on your behalf.
How Do I Lodge a Police Report in Italy?
You can lodge a police report in Italy either in person or online. You can file a report at a police station, or you can file one with the Public Prosecutor. You will require valid ID, and you will need to provide as much information as possible. For issues with translation and language barriers, an Italian lawyer can help.
You can also file a report online, or for gender-based violence, you can use the YOUPOL app.
How Can Italian Lawyers at Giambrone and Partners Help Me
At Giambrone and Partners, our experienced Italian criminal lawyers can provide invaluable assistance in reporting a crime in Italy, especially for individuals who are not familiar with the Italian legal system or who are currently out of the country. By providing legal guidance and advice, as well as filing reports on your behalf and communicating with authorities, we aim to make the process as smooth as possible, whether you’re the victim or a witness.
Our lawyers will represent you throughout your case, from reporting to court proceedings should they take place. To find out more, please visit us here for a free consultation.