Theft and pickpocketing
Bags, phones and documents taken on beaches, ferries or in crowded places.
Victims of crime
Victim of crime on holiday.
A theft, a robbery, an assault or a rental scam can happen in a few minutes. Reporting it properly, and making sure you are informed afterwards, keeps the case alive once you are home.
Reporting
Report or complaint: what to file.
Any crime can be reported to the Carabinieri or the police (denuncia). Some offences, however, are prosecuted only if the victim files a formal complaint (querela) within the time limit.
You can file in a language you understand and receive information about your rights in that language.
Keep a copy of the report: it may be required by insurers, banks or your consulate, for example to replace a stolen passport.
After you leave
Following the case from home.
In the complaint you must declare an address for notices about the case (art. 153-bis c.p.p.). You can indicate a certified e-mail address or your lawyer’s office.
You can ask to be informed if the Public Prosecutor requests that the case be dismissed, and object to the request (artt. 408 and 410 c.p.p.).
If the case goes to trial, you can claim compensation by joining the proceedings as a civil party (parte civile) through a lawyer.
Residents of another EU country who could not file in Italy can, in some cases, file in their home country, which forwards the complaint to Italy.
Typical cases
Situations that are often reported.
Evidence disappears quickly: photos, receipts, messages and medical reports should be kept from the first day.
Robbery and assault
Violence or threats: medical reports and witnesses must be secured quickly.
Rental and booking scams
Apartments, boats or cars paid in advance and never provided: payment records are the key evidence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
I have already left Italy. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. A complaint can also be filed through a lawyer holding a special power of attorney, but the three-month limit must be checked.
Do I need a lawyer to file a report?
No. A lawyer becomes useful to follow the case, receive notices, object to a dismissal request or claim compensation.
Will I have to come back to Italy?
Not always. If you are summoned as a witness, your presence may be required: each notice must be read carefully.
Legal sources
Art. 124 c.p. - Time limit for filing a complaint (Normattiva)Art. 153-bis c.p.p. - Address of the complainant for notices (Normattiva)Art. 408 c.p.p. - Request for dismissal (Normattiva)Art. 410 c.p.p. - Objection to the request for dismissal (Normattiva)
General information. It does not replace a review of the documents or advice on a specific case.
Contact
Victim of a crime during your stay?
Call or write in English. Bring or send the report you filed, if you already have one.
Office in Piazza Umberto I, n. 1, 84121 Salerno, Italy. English-speaking criminal defence for visitors, residents and families abroad.