How do I report a crime in Romania?

Call 112 for an immediate threat or serious emergency. For a past incident without immediate danger, contact a police station and explain the facts clearly, bringing or preserving documents and other evidence.

What is the difference between Poliția Română and Poliția Locală in Romania?

Poliția Română is the national police service with broad responsibilities for criminal investigations and public order. Poliția Locală is organized by local authorities and deals with certain local public-order and administrative matters.

What should I do after an online fraud in Romania?

Contact your bank or payment provider quickly, secure the affected accounts, stop communication with the suspected fraudster, preserve messages and transaction records, and report the suspected crime to the police.

Crime in Romania

Crime in Romania includes theft, burglary, street robbery, fraud, online scams, violence, and abuse within families or relationships. Safety and justice involve the Romanian Police, local police, prosecutors, courts, emergency services, and support organizations. Knowing how to prevent harm, preserve evidence, and report an incident helps victims and witnesses act more safely.

Tip

In Romania, protect yourself by limiting what strangers can access, checking unusual requests through a second channel, and keeping records when something goes wrong. If danger is immediate, leave if you can and call 112; if it is not immediate, report the incident to the police and preserve evidence. A victim does not need to solve the case alone before asking for help.

byIrina&Radu

Romania has several public institutions that deal with crime and public safety. The Romanian Police, called Poliția Română, investigates many offences and maintains public order, while local police, called Poliția Locală, handle certain local safety and administrative matters. Prosecutors and courts decide how criminal cases proceed after an investigation. Common risks include pickpocketing, theft from cars, burglary, robbery, vandalism, physical violence, domestic violence, fraud, identity misuse, and online scams. Risks can be higher in crowded transport areas, nightlife districts, poorly lit places, and situations involving unknown buyers, sellers, or callers. A crime that is happening now or presents an immediate danger should be reported through 112. For a past incident without immediate danger, a person can contact a police station and make a report or criminal complaint, commonly called a plângere or plângere penală depending on the situation. When reporting, explain what happened in the correct order and provide the place, time, people involved, losses, injuries, and possible witnesses. Keep messages, receipts, photographs, medical records, account details, and other evidence, and avoid changing or deleting relevant digital material. If a bank card, phone, account, or identity document is stolen or misused, contact the relevant bank or service provider quickly as well as the police when a crime may have occurred. Do not send more money to a suspected scammer and do not share passwords, one-time codes, or copies of identity documents without a clear and trusted reason. Victims of violence should first move to a safer place and seek medical help when needed. In cases of domestic violence, the police and other public support services can help assess immediate danger and explain available protection and support options, including protective measures under Romanian law. Children, older people, migrants, and people who depend on another person may need extra help to report safely. A trusted person, social worker, doctor, lawyer, or victim-support organization can help with communication, safety planning, and finding the right institution. No prevention method removes all risk, and a report may not lead to an immediate result. Police investigations require evidence and time, while online crime can cross borders, so early reporting, accurate records, and careful account protection are important.