How is a crime report made in Serbia?

A person can report an incident to the police or another competent authority by giving a clear account of what happened and providing available evidence, witness details, and information about immediate risks.

What is the difference between "krivično delo" and "prekršaj" in Serbia?

"Krivično delo" means a criminal offence, while "prekršaj" means a less serious offence handled under a different procedure. Authorities decide which category applies.

What should a victim of domestic violence do in Serbia?

The victim should move to safety if possible, contact police or emergency services, tell a trusted person, preserve threats and other evidence, and seek support from social services or a qualified victim-support organisation.

What should someone do after online fraud in Serbia?

Stop further communication and payments, contact the bank or relevant account provider quickly, preserve all digital evidence, secure the affected accounts, and report the incident to the police.

Crime in Serbia

Crime in Serbia includes theft, robbery, fraud, cybercrime, violence, property damage, and other offences. The police, public prosecutors, courts, and social services each have different roles in reporting, investigating, protecting people, and deciding cases. Basic prevention, careful records, and early reporting can reduce harm and improve the chance of help.

Tip

If crime happens in Serbia, get to safety first and report the incident as soon as practical. Write down what happened while it is fresh, preserve messages and receipts, and ask for help in Serbian or another language if needed. Never risk further harm to recover property or confront the suspected offender.

byKatarina&Vuk

Crime in Serbia is handled mainly through the police, the public prosecution service, and the courts. The Ministry of Interior, known as MUP, includes local police stations and criminal police units. Social services and specialist organisations may also help victims, especially in cases involving violence, children, or vulnerable adults. Serbian uses the terms "krivično delo" for a criminal offence and "prekršaj" for a less serious offence handled through a different procedure. The correct classification is decided by the competent authorities, so a person reporting an incident does not need to choose the legal category. Common risks include pickpocketing, burglary, vehicle theft, street robbery, scams, online fraud, account theft, harassment, assault, domestic violence, and damage to property. Visitors and residents can face different risks depending on their housing, travel, work, relationships, and use of digital services. A typical case begins with a report to the police or another competent authority. The report may include the place, time, people involved, description of events, witnesses, messages, photographs, medical records, payment details, or damaged property. Police may take statements and collect evidence before sending the case to the public prosecutor. The public prosecutor directs or assesses criminal proceedings within the legal system. Courts decide cases according to the evidence and applicable law. A report is not the same as a finding of guilt, and an accused person has procedural rights while a victim may have rights to information, protection, compensation, and support. Domestic violence and threats require special care because the danger may continue after the first incident. A person at risk should move to a safer place when possible, tell a trusted person, preserve threatening messages, and contact police or support services. Children and other vulnerable people should not be left to manage the situation alone. Prevention starts with ordinary habits. Keep doors and windows secure, avoid displaying valuables, use strong unique passwords and two-step login where available, verify payment requests through a separate channel, and be cautious with unknown links, callers, and urgent demands for money. Crime reporting has limits. Evidence may be incomplete, investigations can take time, language or fear can make reporting harder, and not every report leads to prosecution. People should avoid confronting a suspected offender, posting private evidence publicly, or making accusations that cannot be supported.