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File a criminal complaint

  • Recht und Verbraucherschutz
  • Notlagen und Opferhilfen 



    	    

		    
If you have become aware of a criminal act, regardless of whether you yourself were harmed or witnessed a crime, you can file a report with the police. In doing so, you inform the law enforcement authorities (police and public prosecutor's office) about the event and the course of events.

		    


                					    

						    

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							    Basic information
						    

						    

							    

								    
You can file a criminal complaint whether you are injured, can witness a crime, or are an uninvolved party. Fast processing is encouraged by selecting the state in which the event occurred.  You can file a report informally, by phone, online and at the police station, either anonymously or by providing your contact information. The online report is to be considered an additional offer. 

The criminal complaint focuses on the notification of a criminal offense. A distinction is made between different groups of offenses.  

Please note that criminal offenses from the following offense groups can be reported online: Theft/Property Crime and Property Damage. To promote the fastest possible processing, please select an appropriate offense. 

When you file a report, you are a witness in the criminal proceedings. Regardless of the report you file online, it may be necessary to summon you to the police station responsible for this as part of the further processing of this, for example, in order to be able to conduct a witness interview with you in person.  

Furthermore, it is possible to attach photos, receipts or documents to the report as electronic attachments. This option should be used in particular to send evidence (purchase receipts, receipts or pictures of stolen items, damaged items or screenshots of screen contents) to the police with the report.

								    

									    Requirements
Any person who has knowledge of a crime can file a complaint. You do not have to meet any specific requirements.

								    
What documents do I need?
    
    
  • Proof of identification (photo ID: identity card, passport, etc.)        
    Proof of identity is mandatory for filing a criminal complaint. 
    
By e.g.: Identity card, passport, other form of photo ID with address, etc.

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  • Invoices, proof of ownership for stolen items, equipment or serial number.        
    • Invoices
    • Proof of ownership
    • Equipment numbers
    • Serial numbers
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  • Filled out criminal complaint        
    Application available for download under "Further information" - "Forms".

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