Emergency - Dial 091
Multi-lingual police office 902 102 112

We have two security forces here, the local police and the civil guard or "policia local" & "guardia civil". The police office in Puerto Rico can be found at the edge of the park that leads to the beach, next to the Atlantic medical clinic on "avenida Mogán". In Playa del Ingles the office is next to the Nilo commercial center or Avis car hire. The guardia civil have green uniforms with green markings on their cars, the policia local - blue uniforms with blue markings on their cars.

My dealings with the police on behalf of guests where I work have only been because of theft and this is the only real problem as far as crime goes here in Puerto Rico, though no more than any other holiday resort. Only telephone the police if you need their assistance to stop a crime in progress. The police here speak very little English so unless you can talk to them in Spanish, simply let them know where you are and they will come straight to you to sort out any problem.

To report a crime to the police "after the fact", or to obtain a police report for any reason, you will need to go to the police station in Arguineguin (for Puerto Rico and surrounding areas) or the station near the "Nilo Center" in Playa del Ingles (same station even if you're staying in Maspalomas) and be prepared to give basic details in Spanish. If you don't speak or understand Spanish, there's a slight possibility you can get by with a phrase book, though in my experience you will have to take someone with you who can speak some Spanish. If the police can't understand you, they won't make a report.

If you are the victim of theft whilst here and are covered by insurance, you need a police report to make a claim. Sorry but don't expect them to catch the criminal and get back what was stolen, I've yet to see or hear of that happening. You also need a police report for a duplicate passport. The first person you should notify is your holiday representative if you've booked through a tour operator. They may be able to warn other guests for example if the theft was from your apartment but more importantly, they can arrange for someone to go with you to the police station to make the report. If you haven't a representative to report to, try the reception of the apartment complex or hotel that you're staying at. They can arrange for someone to go with you, although there may be a fee to pay if they contact a professional translator for you.

"Prevention is better than cure" and you shouldn't have to worry about theft or reporting theft to the police, if everyone is careful with their valuables. All apartment complexes here have some form of a secure, safekeeping system for their guests. This is usually in the form of safety boxes in each apartment, if not by reception. Hire a key and keep your valuables in here when not needed. The local post office also has safety deposit boxes for hire. Don't leave valuables lying around your apartment, especially if in view from a window, nor in a car. Don't take valuables to the beach if you're likely to leave them unattended and check you have your bags and everything in your pockets when leaving a bus or a taxi. This way, you should have a safe and problem free holiday.

If you're driving a car, as well as papers for the car you must always have your driving licence and passport with you. If you're stopped by the police and can't provide all of these, you will suffer an on-the-spot fine of anything up to 300 euros.

The police patrol the resort 24 hours a day. Whilst they understand everyone's here to enjoy themselves, there's a limit. Consideration for others is expected, especially after midnight. If anyone's causing a disturbance, especially where violence or drunkenness is concerned, the police should be called and they usually sort the problem out on the spot, otherwise those responsible will be taken away for the night. You won't find the police in any way sympathetic or understanding towards you in any circumstances if they think for a moment you are to blame in any way.

DO NOT (under any circumstances) lose your temper with either police force, argue with them or shout at them. You will regret it.

Multi-lingual police central office - 902 102 112 An alternative way of making a report to the police is to call the number above and as soon as they answer - say "English please". An english operator will attend you and go through a your report with you by phone. Once completed, they will send it to the local police station here (Maspalomas) for you to sign and collect. This way, no translation fees. This number can be used if you wish to make an official complaint to the police about anything in the resort you consider a crime or if you've lost something of value & need the report for insurance purposes