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Stolen on the Costa Blanca - What to do now

Stolen on the Costa Blanca - What to do now

Important steps after the theft mobile phone, ID card or wallet - and and why you should definitely contact the airline should contact the airline before your return flight.

A careless moment is often all it takes for a wallet or mobile phone to disappear. Especially in the summer months, pickpockets are in high season on the coast. Anyone affected should above all remain calm and take the next steps quickly.

The first thing to do is to report the incident to the police. Depending on your location, you can contact the Policía Nacional, the local police or the Guardia Civil. The report - called denuncia in Spain - is necessary in order to claim the theft from insurance companies or to apply for replacement documents.

The authorities can be contacted on these emergency numbers:
- 091 (Policía Nacional)
- 092 (local police)
- 062 (Guardia Civil)
- 112 (general emergency call)

Alternatively, the report can be prepared online in advance - it must still be signed in person at the police station within 72 hours. You can submit the report in advance at https://denuncias.policia.es/OVD/ - the Ministry of the Interior's „Virtual report submission“ portal is available in German/English and also in French.

Return flight without ID?
At the latest when packing my suitcase, the question arises: Can I fly home without ID?
According to the regulations, airlines are only allowed to carry passengers with valid documents. However, many airlines will accept a copy or scan of your ID together with the police report.
If you don't have a copy, ask your hotel, tour operator or car hire company - they often have scans available.

ImportantWhether you are allowed to travel without the original document is always decided by the airline. It is therefore essential that you clarify in advance with your airline or tour operator whether the loss report is sufficient or whether a temporary replacement document from the consulate is required.

Theft is annoying, but no reason to panic. With the right preparation and a coordinated approach with the airline, the return flight can usually be organised without any problems.