WHAT IS SATE? - SATE Assistance in Benidorm
S.A.T.E stands for "El Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero", which roughly translates to Foreign Tourist Assistance Office. Visitors that use this office will be attended to in English, French, German or Russian. The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service is a police department whose role is to offer foreign tourists, visiting the city, personalised assistance after having suffered a criminal offence or similar incident.
Assistance is given by the National Police Service and personnel from the Tourist Board. The tourist is given assistance in their own language and will be helped in reporting crime, lost passports etc.
• Assistance reporting a crime
• Cancelling credit cards and other official documents
• Getting in touch with embassies and consulates
• Getting in touch with family members/locating them
• Assistance reporting lost objects
• Psychological assistance when necessary
• Tourist information
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE SATE OFFICE
One of the main aims of this service is to promote the image of Benidorm as a safe place and a place where if something unfortunate were to happen, tourists have a place to go where they will be helped in their own language.
WHERE IS THE SATE OFFICE
The S.A.T.E office is now open in the Rincon de Loix area, where the largest number of foreign tourists are staying
Address: Avda. Derramador, esquina C/ Gerona, 03501 Benidorm, in front of the Hotel Flash at the intersection of Gerona and Derramador avenues, find an interactive map HERE
Telephone: 965 56 36 75
OPENING HOURS
May - September, Monday to Friday 09.00 - 21.00
Weekends and Holidays - 10.00 - 14.00
October - April, Monday - Friday 09.00 - 15.00
Download the official ALERT COPS citizens safety app to your mobile phone.
WHO IS WATCHING YOUR BAG?
The majority of complaints filed were for pick pocketing, with a high percentage of thefts happening on the beach, when bags were left unattended whilst people went for a swim. Do not take expensive items to the beach with you. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ITEMS UNATTENDED.
Please read our advice on keeping yourself and your belongings safe so you do not have to visit the SATE office during your stay.
You will also find a list of other emergency telephone numbers HERE.
More information on CRIME in Benidorm and the local scams can be found HERE
Victim of a Crime in Benidorm - Crime happens here in Benidorm the same as it does everywhere in the world, but it can have even more of an impact when people are on holiday. Make sure you are fully insured to help lessen any financial losses.
Victim of a Crime in Benidorm - What to do and where to go for assistance.
If you need urgent help from the police - or an ambulance:- dial 112, You will find a list of all emergency telephone numbers HERE
All victims of crime in Spain must report the incident to the Police, this is called making a denuncia, and is required by Spanish law for all cases, from bag snatching to serious crimes.
It is no longer possible to make a police report over the phone in English in Spain. If you have been a victim of a theft or robbery in Spain you can report the incident to the National Police in English online using the "Virtual Complaints Office”
Once submitted, you can then make an appointment at your local police station (Comisaria de Policia.) to formally sign and ratify the "denuncia"
If in Benidorm the SATE office can help
Report a crime or an incident ONLINE via the Guardia Civil Website
You can also use the ALERTCOPS app - to report incidents -
AlertCops is a citizen security alert system of the State Law Enforcement Authorities (FFCCSE in Spanish)
The goal is to create a universal access to every public citizen security service, so any person, regardless their language, origin or auditory or vocal disability, can send to the State Law Enforcement Authorities (Police and Civil Guard) an alert about a crime or security incident whether they are victims or witnesses of such.
Crimes involving violence will usually have to be reported in person at the police station, if necessary and in major incidents the Police will provide an interpreter.
The easiest way to get around any language problems etc is to enlist the help of your hotel manager. They can explain what you need to do, and can usually help with filling in Spanish forms etc.or again use the SATE office
There are three policing authorities in Spain who you can report a crime to:
The Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) – nationwide police force who wear green uniforms and have wide-ranging responsibilities for national security and law enforcement, including airport security, drug and contraband investigation, counter-terrorism, crowd control and the running of prisons. Emergency number – 062.
The National Police (La Policia Nacional) – the main nationwide urban police agency who wear blue uniforms and handle most criminal, judicial, terrorism and immigration matters. They deal with common crimes and street crimes and are also responsible for issuing official papers for expats becoming official Spanish residents. Emergency number – 091.
The Local Police (La Policia Local or Policia Municipal) – police force controlled at local authority level, they wear blue and white uniforms and deal with more minor issues such as parking, traffic control and bye-law infringements. Emergency number – 092.
Witnesses to a crime
Individuals who have witnessed a crime are obliged to inform the Spanish authorities with the exception of:
The spouse of the offender.
Ascendants or descendants of the offender.
Children.
Lawyers and Attorneys at Court with respect to their customers’ declarations.
Priests with respect to the notices confessed to them.
IF YOUR PASSPORT IS STOLEN - See the separate page for more detailed information
IF YOU HAVE TO STAY IN HOSPITAL
The UK Foreign Office can offer all kinds of help to British nationals. Phone 902 102 112 and ask to be connected with the British Consulate. You can also contact, "Help International - Benidorm" who will also provide, support and information.
IF YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION IS LOST OR STOLEN.....
Contact the British Consulate via 902 102 112 for help and advice on getting replacement medication.
IF SOMEONE YOU ARE WITH DIES
Contact the British Consulate via 902 102 112
REMEMBER IS YOU DO NOT REPORT A CRIME YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CLAIM ON YOUR INSURANCE.
Lots more information can be found here on all aspects of Crime and known scams in Benidorm
LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT - WHAT TO DO
Lost or Stolen Passport, what to do - British Passport
If you are a British national and your UK passport has been lost, stolen or expired while you are abroad you can use an emergency travel document also known as 'an emergency passport' to leave the country you are in and return back to your destination. These can be issued on short notice whilst you are overseas.
You must cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible.
This will reduce the risk of anyone else using your passport or your identity.
You can report a lost or stolen passport for someone else if they can’t do it themselves. Start the process HERE
Expired or damaged passports
If you are outside of the UK and your passport has expired or is several damaged and you are unable to use it on your return journey you should always try renewing or replacing it before using an emergency travel document.
Only apply for 'an emergency passport' if you need to travel before you can get a replacement passport.
Stolen Passports
If your passport has been stolen, you must contact the local police and report it. Also make sure you retain any and all crime report details, and any reference numbers given to you by the police as you may need these in your application form. This is called making a Denuncia and more details on how to do this can be found HERE The S.A.T.E office can also help with this process. Please note you may also have to do this if you have just lost your passport.
*Please note that in most cases your UK passport will need to be cancelled before you apply for an emergency travel document, to save it from being compromised and used for un-intended purposes such as ID theft.
What an emergency travel document can do.
An emergency travel document enables you to leave the country you are in and return to your final destination, either the United Kingdom or the country you are residing in.
The emergency travel document will allow you to travel via a maximum of 5 different countries.
Unlike a standard adult UK passport which is valid for 10 years an emergency travel document is only valid for a specific journey at a specific time.
If your final destination is the UK, border staff will keep your emergency travel document when you arrive. Border staff at a different final destination might also keep the document.
• Having an emergency travel document doesn't automatically grant you entry to the country or countries you are travelling to or through, you may also need a visa. So please check with that countries Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
• Where possible they will inform you of any known countries where the emergency travel document has restrictions.
• You can ONLY travel to the destinations you have stated on your application.
• If you plans change after you receive your emergency travel document you will have to apply and pay for a new one to be issued.
• This 'emergency passport' is ONLY valid for the journey stated, if your emergency travel document is not kept by immigration at your final destination you must return it to your nearest British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate for processing and destruction.
Eligibility
You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply:
You usually can’t get an emergency travel document if you’ve never had a UK passport. You should apply for a passport instead.
Applying for an Emergency Passport
You can apply for your Emergency Passport online HERE.
It costs £100 to apply for an emergency travel document. The fee isn’t refundable. You can pay online as part of your application. If you don’t, you’ll be asked to pay over the phone.
You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online. You’ll be told after you’ve submitted your application whether you need an appointment.
You’ll need to give a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.
You may have to personally have to go to the Consulate in Alicante, A taxi will cost in the region of 75€ - 90€ each way. If has been stolen it has to be reported to either the Guardia Civil or the National Police and a police crime number obtained.
Apply on behalf of someone else
You can apply for an emergency travel document and book an appointment for someone else if they’re a British citizen. They might have to attend an appointment and they must collect their emergency travel document in person.
If you apply for a child under 16, they’ll need to attend an appointment. Both parents should go with them if possible. If neither parent can attend, they’ll need to send a signed consent letter.
Documents you’ll need to send or bring to an appointment
You’ll need:
How long it will take
Your emergency travel document will normally be ready in 2 working days.
You’ll be told after you’ve applied how and when you’ll get your emergency travel document.
This passport will only be valid for the duration of your holiday and you will have to apply for a full 10 year passport on your return. These fees are set by the UK parliament not the Consulate.
The Consulate is open between 8.30 am and 1.30 pm Monday to Friday.
The chances of your travel insurance paying for extra accommodation and travel to the consulate is dependent on which company and policy type you have - check the terms and conditions beforehand.
British Consulate Alicante
Edificio Espacio
Rambla Méndez Núñez 28-32
6ª planta
03002 Alicante
Spain
Email
Fax +34 965 14 05 28 (Consular phone lines are open from 8am to 4pm)
Telephone enquiries:
+34 965 21 60 22
Lost or Stolen Passport, what to do - IRISH Passport
1. If your passport is lost or stolen you must immediately report this to your nearest Comisaría (police station) and make a report (denuncia).
You can make a police report in three different ways:
i) In person: A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available. It is important to note that English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you.
ii) By phone: You can make a police report by phone in English by phoning 902 102 112. The English language service is available from 9am - 9pm, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person.
iii) Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. If in Cataluña, please use this form which has an English option. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person.
The police report will sometimes be accepted by some airlines in lieu of a passport, and this may allow you to travel back to Ireland. However, you should always check with your airline before going to the airport.
2. If your airline will not accept the police report, you should contact the Embassy or your nearest Honorary Consulate to make arrangements for an alternative travel document.
Minimum requirements to apply for an Emergency Travel Document:
Please bear in mind this service is not available outside of office hours except in case of emergency. You may need to arrange a new flight to allow you time to obtain a travel document.
3. If you are in an emergency situation requiring urgent travel (such as the death or serious illness of a family member)
Contact the Embassy, by phoning +34 914364093 (outside normal working hours). You will be asked to leave a message on the answering machine. The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer at the Embassy will contact you as soon as possible. When you leave a message, remember to state your name, telephone number, the nature of the emergency, and where you are now.
The Honorary Consulate General in Alicante covers the Autonomous Regions of Valencia and Murcia
Consulate Opening hours: 9.30am-1.45pm (Monday - Friday).
What counts as a damaged passport
Personal details are indecipherable (non-readable). The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution. Discoloration to the bio-data page. Chemical or ink spillage on (any page). Missing or detached pages. The chip or antenna shows through the endpaper on the back cover for the new style e-passports. The chip has been identified as damaged following investigation or you have been told the chip is faulty during a border-check.
Reasonable wear and tear is ok but things to check for are - Making sure there are no stains or water marks on any pages. All the information is clear and readable. The laminate on your photo page is securely in place. There are no damaged or missing pages. The chip is in place and undamaged. The passport binding is secured and not disintegrated.
In most cases the fact that the gold emblem has been worn away from the front cover, as long as the rest of the passport is in very good condition i.e no peeling pages, tears or marks this will not affect your ability to travel.
SO, THE MAIN MESSAGE IS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PASSPORT WHEN ON HOLIDAY, TAKE A COPY OUT WITH YOU AND LEAVE THE ORIGINAL LOCKED IN THE SAFE.
We often hear horror stories of people who have been robbed, conned or violated in some manner while on Holiday in Benidorm. There are even those who set out to promote these stories in the claim they are trying to help. In reality they are frightening people and misleading them. They are not helping anyone. They are destroying the image of Europe's most popular holiday resort. Here are the facts that will help you to stay safe in Benidorm.
What is it that creates an environment for pick pockets, con men and the like, to exploit us? The answer is simple. Large numbers of people with plenty of distraction. Holiday resorts, Markets, shopping centres, concerts and the like. The very things that describe Benidorm to a tee. That is, large numbers of people all year round and we all know the amount of distractions available in Benidorm.
But let's look at the facts. (The facts will help you stay safe in Benidorm)
FACT Benidorm is Europe's most popular holiday resort.
FALSE Benidorm has the highest rate of crime in any Holiday resort in Europe.
FACT It is not even listed in the top 10
In reality, the chances of losing your hard earned savings to a pickpocket in Benidorm is much lower than in many other Holiday resorts. HOWEVER Here are a few tips to watch out for to stay safe in Benidorm, so we can decrease those numbers even lower.
Safety in Numbers. If you fortunate enough to be travelling with a group. Stay with the group. Pickpockets and muggers look for easy targets. At football matches there are large groups of people with plenty of distraction. But pickpockets are rare. Why? Who in their right mind would walk into a crowd of testosterone fired men and attempt to mug one of them? Keep with your friends, as much as possible. If you do get separated get a taxi back to your hotel/apartment.
Check into your hotel on social media, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
Set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with each other - or download an app called "Life360". It allows you to locate friends (or a lost phone) within your group when you're on a night out. Only the people in your group can see where you are - it's private, not public.
Keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they don’t get spiked
Do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
Do not give a drunk person more alcohol
We can not re-iterate this enough, If you come in a group stay in a group, do not drink so much that you put yourselves in a dangerous situation, DO NOT go wandering off without at least telling someone where you are going and who you are with.
Know the name of the accommodation you are staying in so if you need help getting back some one can assist you.
We know you are on holiday but safety should always come first before drink and a "good" time.
Every single weekend we are getting "missing persons" posts, thank goodness most are not really missing as such but have just wandered off and don´t know where they are staying.
Please be sensible you would not do this sort of thing back in the UK so certainly DO NOT do it in a strange country
Do not walk home alone, especially if you are a bit under the weather. People who are drunk cannot defend themselves very well. They become the easy target.
Do not carry unnecessary (wear) valuables that can create temptation to the thieves. The higher the reward, the more risk they will take to get it.
Beware of friendly strangers. Props at bars will carry identification. No identification, Walk on.
Beware of distraction by touch. A pickpocket will often try to distract you by touching you. When you become aware of a touch on your shoulder, you do not feel a hand in your pocket. Typical examples, someone pretends to brush dirt off the back of your shirt (the Stain, see below) or to fix your collar. Another one is to place their leg between yours and jiggle their leg about like it is some sort of a joke. You stand confused while they empty your pockets.
The Stain - Be aware of this con, a pickpocket will unbeknown to you spray you with a substance, generally it will be green (pasty liquid mixed with green ink) to look like bird excrement, they will then point this out to you and offer to wipe it off for you, using this as a distractions to rob you of your gold chains etc.
Ladies either do not take a handbag out with you or carry your handbag in a manner where it cannot be easily grabbed. Do not leave it sitting on the chair beside you in restaurants etc. Unless of course you can run exceptionally fast in high heels to retrieve it.
Men - DO NOT have items in your back pockets, they are far too easy to lift without you feeling a thing.
DO NOT have valuable items in your jacket pockets, such as mobile phones, keys, wallets, passports etc and then casually hang it over the back of a chair and wander off, this is easy pickings and a prime target for any thief.
Only take out what you need for that day or night, leave the rest in the safe, have a copy of your passport and your EHIC card with you.
Stay Safe in Benidorm
PEA MEN These are con men and most of the crowd around them are part of the gang. Between Players, Watchers and Look outs, not to mention the pickpockets in the area. There could be as many as 30 of them in the same team. DO NOT STOP. KEEP WALKING. The best way to put these people out of business is to take away their customers. However, trying to warn others could be very dangerous. The person you are warning could well be part of the team. PLEASE KEEP WALKING, read more HERE
MEN DO NOT get involved with the street prostitutes.
Street Beggars - While there are a number of genuine homeless people in Benidorm there are also a lot of scam beggars in operation including the infamous disabled man who has then been seen walking and driving a Mercedes. Please do not give money to them unless you are 100% sure. If you want to help then better to make a donation to a homeless charity or charity shop.
Finally avoid dark quiet streets. Most of Benidorm´s dark quiet streets are perfectly safe. What thief wants to sit in a street no-one walks up, in the hopes someone, who comes under the easy target category, might show up one night. However some of these streets can be well known shortcuts to the beach etc during the day. Strangers to the town may well use them at night as well. If you know Benidorm, you will know which streets are safe. If not, play safe and stay in the busy well lit ones.
Carrying your Passport as ID
It is mandatory in Spain for you to be able to identify yourself, the police can stop you at anytime and ask to see some form of photographic ID. As UK citizens do not have ID cards then this can be done by showing your passport or a valid picture driving license.
You must provide photo ID if requested by a police officer. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed.
Ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.
Hotels have a legal duty to register the passport details of tourists on check-in. Wait until the hotel staff have registered your passport details or taken a photocopy of your passport. Don’t leave it at reception to collect later.
We do not suggest you carry your passport around with you, this should be kept in a safe place but a notarised copy of your passport is also a valid document and will get you out of immediate trouble, but you may still be asked to provide the original at a later date at the police station
MOBILE PHONES: Be careful how you list your personal numbers.
After a lady had her handbag stolen (Not here in Benidorm) which contained her phone, credit card, wallet, etc. . . . . . 20 minutes later when she called her husband, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, he was astonished and told her . . 'Oh gosh.. I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.' When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen phone to text “hubby” in the contact list & got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
a. Do not disclose the relationship between you & the people in your contact list. Always avoid using names like Home, Missus, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mum, etc.
b. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, do not respond BUT immediately CONFIRM by calling back.
c. Also, when you receive a text unexpectedly from friends or family asking you to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.
If you are unlucky enough to be a victim of a crime, please report it to the police and use the SATE office to help file a police report if necessary. More help and advice HERE
You will find a list of emergency numbers HERE
You will also find lots more information on all aspects of crime HERE
Join our Facebook Group for more help with staying safe in Benidorm