Follow up on “break-ins in our rental car”

Last week we wrote about how to avoid to get a break-in in your hire car by leaving no objects visible inside.

If you anyway should be so unfortunate to experience a break-in or have your hand bag or purse stolen while shopping then here is a good advice for how to make the theft report procedure easier with the police – especially if you don´t speak Spanish.

You can call the Spanish National Police phone number 902 102 112 . This phone number is exclusively for foreigners who need to make a theft or robbery report.  The telephone line is open from Monday till Sunday from 09:00h. until 21:00h. and  you can choose to get attended in English or French.  There are certain criteria  where the “telephone report” cannot be done – but situations such as break-in a rental car, lost documents or a stolen bag will be accepted.

After you have finalized the report in English on the phone, you will be asked to choose which police station you will go to sign and verify the report.  You have 48 hours to go to that police station to finalize and sign the report.  When you arrive at the police station mention the allocated number you were given on the phone  so you will be given priority in getting attend to.

There is a small cost (depending on the telephone operator) for calling the 902 – number but the advantage for being attended in English and less waiting time at the police station is well worth it.