What should you do if you witness a crime?

When can I call 113?

The number 113 is called an emergency number for a reason. You can only call it in really serious cases. For example, if the situation is urgent and requires immediate police intervention; if something or someone is threatening you or another person; in cases where there is immediate danger that can be prevented.

When is it best not to use the 113 number?

In situations where immediate police intervention is not required, it is better to go to the nearest station. 113 It is better to leave it for urgent problems.

A lot of information can be found on our website: www.police.lu. The Police app is also available for free download on Google Play and AppStore.

What communication options are available for those who do not speak the official languages of Luxembourg?

The staff of the emergency communication centre speak the official languages (Luxembourgish, German and French) as well as English. If legal proceedings are initiated, an interpreter may be invited to the police station to assist, since investigations and court cases are conducted only in the official languages. English is not one of these languages.

In addition to 113, what are the fastest and most effective ways to contact the police?

You can also contact the National Intervention Centre (CIN) via SMS using the Silent Call feature in the Police app.

Is it possible to report an incident anonymously?

If the caller wishes to remain anonymous, the operator 113 will take note of this and pass the information on to the appropriate unit. However, in order to prevent abuse, the hotline staff has every right to request data about your identity. Yes, they will not be distributed, but they are necessary to verify the caller.

What types of "minor" offences are still useful to report to the police?

Even minor offences such as petty theft, damage to property or fraud should be recorded and subject to legal action. In any case, you must report suspicious persons to the police immediately. The same applies to motor vehicles.

How do the police usually respond to reports of suspicious packages or objects left in public places?

Reports of suspicious parcels are taken very seriously. The police have internal procedures in place to deal with the situation quickly and thoroughly.

What should a person do if they witness a possible offence but feel they cannot safely intervene?

Do not, under any circumstances, put yourself in danger; heroism will not result, most likely. Instead, call the police immediately on the emergency number 113 and remain available as a witness.

What happens after the application is submitted?

Once a report has been filed, the necessary police resources are deployed to respond as quickly as possible. In the event of further investigation, the person who made the report may be invited to the police station to give evidence.

How do the police deal with domestic violence cases?

If you are a victim of violence by a person with whom you live, or if you witness such violence being perpetrated against a person close to you, contact the police immediately or go to the nearest police station.

You will be received by competent police officers who have received appropriate training. Where possible, female police officers will work with women.

All physical and/or psychological harm is punishable by law. If a person is threatened or ill-treated by a loved one with whom he or she lives, the police may evict the perpetrator from the home on the basis of circumstantial evidence and with the permission of the public prosecutor (Act of 8 September 2003 on domestic violence).

In parallel with the eviction procedure, the prosecutor's office decides what further steps will be taken in domestic violence cases. This may include summoning the perpetrator to court, initiating criminal proceedings or discontinuing the criminal proceedings - with or without a written warning to the perpetrator. For the duration of the eviction order, the person responsible is prohibited from entering the house or its outbuildings. In the event of a breach, criminal sanctions will also follow. The police will confiscate the keys to the house and its outbuildings from the evicted person.

At the same time, the support service for victims of domestic violence, established under the Domestic Violence Act, contacts victims to inform them of their rights and possible actions, and offers psychological assistance and counselling.

If someone hears shouting, fighting or possible violence from a neighbour's flat, when should they report it and how?

In such a case, the emergency number 113 should be dialled immediately and specific details about the possible offence should be given. It is important that no one puts themselves in danger.

How can ordinary citizens support the police and help ensure public safety?

The best help in police work will be the attentiveness of citizens. If they witness a crime or anything unusual, they should immediately report it to the police.

Nowadays, the police are increasingly confronted with fraud.  The tricks of the perpetrators are becoming more and more sophisticated. Family members, neighbours and acquaintances should support and inform each other, tell each other about possible methods of fraud and be attentive to each other.

You should also report suspicious persons or vehicles to the police immediately.

Are there awareness campaigns specifically for expats?

Throughout the year, the police raise awareness through various campaigns as well as through their prevention services. Topics range from the prevention of theft, phishing and all types of theft to road safety, etc.

Citizens are informed through municipalities and social media. Information materials are available in several languages.

How do the police handle found objects or lost items? Can they be traced and returned?

When an object is found and handed over to the police station, it is kept there for 8 days. After this period, the object is handed over to the Service national des objets trouvés (SNOT), one of whose tasks is to manage all property handed over to the Police. SNOT is responsible for the storage, return or disposal of found property. SNOT can be contacted by phone: +(352) 244 24 4070 (08.30 to 11.30 and 14.00 to 16.00).

Do the police co-operate with civilian security groups such as neighbourhood watches or online communities?

No. However, if a crime is being committed, witnesses will be interviewed.

Do the police co-operate with schools to teach children about safety and proper behaviour in public places?

Yes, in addition to awareness-raising efforts in various areas, the Police also offer various prevention programmes aimed at youth, mostly organised in schools.

Are there structured programmes in Luxembourg that teach children about personal safety?

In each of the four regions of Luxembourg there is a police prevention team that visits schools to raise children's awareness. They discuss behaviour on the street, dealing with strangers and many other issues.

What basic safety rules should children follow when alone in public places, transport or at school?

Children are usually supervised by a responsible adult in a school or nursery. Otherwise, there are four basic rules to follow:

What should parents teach their children at home to help them stay safe?

Sometimes children may be stopped by strangers on their way to school or other places. Here are some tips on how children should react in such situations and how parents can prepare them: