Robbed or lost something on Lake Como? What to do if you are pickpocketed or your car is broken into
How to report a theft or break in on Lake Como
Como is generally a safe city, but like many popular tourist destinations, theft can happen. A wallet disappears from a bag. A backpack is taken from a train station or café. A rental car is broken into while you are sleeping.
When this happens, the most important thing is to act quickly, stay calm, and get an official police report (denuncia). This report may be necessary to replace documents, cancel credit cards, recover a stolen phone, or make an insurance claim.
First: Are you in immediate danger?
If you are in danger, have been threatened, injured, or the theft is happening right now, call 112, the European emergency number used in Italy. It is active 24 hours a day.
If the theft has already happened and there is no immediate danger, your next step is usually to go in person to the police and make a report.
Where to report a theft in Italy
In Como city, tourists usually report theft, pickpocketing, stolen documents, or car break-ins to either the Polizia di Stato, Italian national police or the Carabinieri, Italian military police.
The main police station in Como is the Questura di Como, located at:
Questura di Como
Viale Roosevelt 7
22100 Como
You can also report thefts to the Carabinieri in Como. Both the Polizia di Stato and Carabinieri can receive reports of theft or loss.
For theft or loss by unknown persons, the Carabinieri also offer a “Denuncia vi@ Web” service, which allows you to begin the report online before going to the selected Carabinieri station. This can sometimes save time because you have already completed part of the process before arriving, but you need to do it in Italian.
Why you need to report it to the police
Even if you do not think the criminals will ever be caught, a police report is often needed if:
- your passport, ID card, driving license, credit cards, wallet, phone, luggage, camera, jewelry, laptop, or personal belongings were stolen
- your rental car was broken into
- you need proof for your insurance
- you need to report stolen documents to your consulate or embassy
- you need to cancel cards or show official proof of the theft later
Without a written police report, your insurance company may refuse or delay your claim. For many visitors, the report is not just a formality. It is the document that allows them to move forward.
What to bring with you to the police station
Before going to the police station, prepare as much information as possible. This makes the process faster.
Bring:
- your passport or ID, if you still have it
- a copy or photo of your passport, if the original was stolen
- the address of your hotel or accommodation on Lake Como
- your phone number and email address
- a list of stolen items
- approximate values of the stolen items
- description of where and when the theft happened
- photos, receipts, serial numbers, IMEI number for a stolen phone, or rental car documents if available
- your travel insurance details, if you have them
If your car was broken into, take photos of the damage before cleaning or moving anything, especially if it is a rental car.
The problem: Waiting in line, then explaining everything in Italian
You may also find a line at the police station, especially during busy tourist periods. Sometimes people wait 2 hours in line to get to make the report! Some stations are much more crowded than others. While theoretically you can go to any open police station, knowing which is faster on that day, time and location can save you time.
Making a police report in Italy can be difficult and stressful if you do not speak Italian. You need to explain exactly what happened, where it happened, what was stolen, and why you need the report. The police report will be written in Italian, and small details can matter later for your insurance claim. You may then need the police report translated into English.
This is where a local translator can save you as well as the police a lot of time and frustration.
Bring a translator with you to save time
Local police report assistance with Adam Clark
My name is Adam Clark, and I live in Como. I am a native English speaker and a professional Italian legal translator at the courthouse of Como. I help English-speaking visitors on Lake Como deal with urgent practical problems, including theft reports, pickpocketing, stolen documents, and car break-ins. I can help in person or via remotely via telephone. I help you with the whole process before, during and after the police report.
On multiple occasions I have accompanied people to the fastest police station, translate between English and Italian and facilitate their victims police report. My goal is for you to get the police report done effectively and you avoid any useless time there. Thereby you can get on with your life or vacation.
This can be especially useful if:
- you are on vacation and do not want to lose half a day trying to understand the system
- you do not speak Italian
- you need the report quickly for insurance
- your passport, wallet, phone, luggage, or rental car was involved
- you need someone local who knows how things work and gets them done efficiently
I cannot replace the police, and I cannot guarantee waiting times or that you will get your things back. But I can help you communicate clearly, avoid misunderstandings, and complete the process more efficiently saving you time.
What to do immediately after the theft
As soon as you realize you have been robbed or pickpocketed:
- Move to a safe place
- Call 112 if you are in danger or if the theft is happening now
- Cancel stolen bank or credit cards immediately
- Use “Find My iPhone” or similar services if your phone was stolen
- Contact your hotel, rental car company, or travel insurance provider
- Prepare a list of stolen items
- Go to the police station to make a police report ‘denuncia‘
- Contact me if you need English-Italian assistance in Como (yes, even weekends!)
Do not let theft ruin your trip!
Being robbed on vacation is upsetting, but with the right help, you can handle the situation quickly and correctly. The goal is to get the official report you need, protect yourself, and get back to your trip with as little stress as possible.
If you have been pickpocketed, robbed, or had your car broken into in Como, I can help you go to the police, communicate in Italian, and obtain the police report you may need for your insurance claim.
Would you like me to help you go to the police to make a report?
What they say about me
“After a break-in at the basement of our apartment, we were faced with the challenge of describing the theft in writing and appearing in person at the Questura to file a theft report with the police. Adam was not only a real help throughout this process, but his service—from drafting the documents to accompanying us in person to the police station—was simply excellent.
When something so unpleasant happens, it’s an immense help to have such a competent advocate who can not only assist with the language but also has a thorough understanding of all the formal procedures and can explain them clearly. I can’t recommend Adam highly enough—SECOND TO NONE!“
Andreas Joehle
Como city, Lake Como, Italy
