If you are a victim of crime

If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime of any kind overseas, we may be able to help you.

Please see the page on lost or stolen passports if you need to obtain new travel documents whilst abroad.

For information on how we can help if you are caught up in a major catastrophe, please see our leaflet, ‘Support for British nationals abroad: a guide’

What we can do to help:

• give general information about local police and legal procedures
• point you in the right direction of where to get legal advice
• if you need medical treatment, we can help you to contact a local doctor
• if you want us to, we can contact your relatives and friends to let them know if something has happened to you.

You should consider appointing a local lawer who can look after your interests in court, and follow any trial for you.  We can give you a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. We would not normally attend a court case involving a British national.

What we cannot do:

• give you legal advice
• collect evidence or investigate crimes. In many countries investigating authorities and the courts may refuse to answer enquiries from other people and organisations, including consular staff
• influence the outcome of any trail
• assist with travel costs if you are asked to attend a trial abroad as a victim or witness
• provide general financial help
• accept items of lost or recovered stolen property, with the exception of passports (which are cancelled and returned to the Identity & Passport Service) and driving licences (which are returned to DVLA).
  

If you are a victim of theft:

• report any incidences of theft to the local police. You will need a police statement to claim against your travel insurance
• remember to cancel any credit cards or travellers cheques.

Back in the UK, you may feel you would benefit from extra support to help you cope with the effects of the crime. Organisations such as Victim Support may help.

We have also produced a leaflet called  Victims of crime abroad  [PDF 630KB, new window] which offers more detailed information.