In a major digital leap for Spanish law enforcement, the Guardia Civil has officially launched an online crime reporting system, allowing residents and tourists to file reports for theft and other minor offences directly from their smartphones or computers—no need to visit a police station.
The initiative, announced on July 9, 2025, enables victims of petty theft, card fraud, or six other non-violent crimes to submit complaints in minutes using a digital certificate, Cl\@ve PIN, or e-DNI via the official portal: sede.guardiacivil.gob.es.
What Can Be Reported Online?
The new service applies to seven specific minor crimes, each with a loss or value under €10,000:
- Simple theft (e.g., mobile phones, wallets, laptops)
- Damage to property
- Vehicle theft
- Theft from a vehicle
- Fraudulent bank or card charges
- Lost or mislaid documents
- Reporting found documents
For those without a digital ID, traditional reporting channels remain available — including in-person visits to police stations and the emergency hotline 062.
How the System Works
Victims can access the portal 24/7, identify themselves, complete a digital form, and attach relevant documentation (e.g., receipts or photos). Once submitted, the report is routed to ON-RED, a dedicated back-office system managed by Spain’s National Cyber-Security Institute (INCIBE) in León.
The system instantly verifies and processes valid reports. In cases requiring clarification, a Guardia Civil officer will call the complainant. In rare situations, the person may still be asked to attend a station to sign the report in person.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska praised the program, saying it “brings the barracks to the public wherever it’s needed most.”
Faster Reporting, Better Policing
Initial feedback is overwhelmingly positive. In the Balearic Islands alone, authorities estimate over 50% of minor complaints could be handled online — potentially avoiding more than 11,000 in-person visits recorded in 2024.
Colonel Alejandro Hernández called the move “a significant step forward,” pointing to improved police efficiency and better data collection on crime patterns.
The digital platform accelerates processes like card cancellations, insurance claims, and criminal intelligence gathering — while reducing waiting times and freeing up officers to focus on more serious investigations.
A Boon for Tourists
The online form is available in multiple languages, including English, making it especially helpful for tourists. Foreign visitors can now report pickpocketing or lost passports without navigating Spanish bureaucracy or enduring long queues under the summer sun.
Final Tips for Users
- File quickly: Prompt reports improve chances of refunds from banks or insurers.
- Backup your devices: Cloud services can save critical information in case of theft.
- Save your report number: Insurers often require a police reference to process claims.
- Stay vigilant: While the portal streamlines paperwork, it won’t catch the thief.
Spain’s Guardia Civil hasn’t reinvented the wheel—but with this digital reporting tool, they’ve certainly added high-speed functionality. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Madrid or dining in Barcelona, you can now report a crime in minutes—without leaving your seat.
