What we can do to help

We can give general information about local police and legal procedures. We can’t give you legal advice, but can put you in touch with a local lawyer.

If you need medical treatment, we can help you to contact a local doctor.

Contacting friends and relatives

If you want us to, we can contact your relatives and friends and let them know what has happened. In some cases, we can offer financial assistance. 

We cannot collect evidence or investigate crimes ourselves, and in many countries investigating authorities and the courts will refuse to answer enquiries from other people and organisations, including our staff.

Local lawyer

So, you should consider appointing a local lawyer who can look after your interests in court, and follow any trial for you. We can give you a list of local English-speaking lawyers. We would not ordinarily attend a court case involving a British national and cannot influence the outcome of any trial.

Back in the UK, you may feel you would benefit from extra support to help you cope with the effects of the crime. Organisations such as Victim Support can help.

We have also produced a leaflet called  Victims of crime abroad  [PDF 329KB, new window] which offers more detailed information. 

Local police stations

If you are the victim of a crime, you should report the offence to your local police station.  Please note that the High Commission cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime.  It is important to consider carefully whether you want to have legal representation and to discuss all the costs involved beforehand.

The main police stations for each district are:
 

Ayia Napa        + 357 23 80 32 00

Larnaca            + 357 24 80 40 40

Limassol           + 357 25 80 50 50

Nicosia             + 357 22 80 80 80

Paphos             + 357 26 80 60 60

There are also police stations in the smaller towns and villages. Many officers speak reasonable or good English. Please note that when you report a crime you will not be given an incident number, as in the UK.