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FOREIGN TOURIST ASSISTANCE SERVICE

The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (SATE) offers personalised attention to foreign tourists who, for any reason, may need to visit a Police Station.

Such assistance is given by specialised Madrid Tourist Board staff and the National Police.

Tourists who need to need to lodge a complaint and fill in any related forms are provided with assistance. Psychological help is also provided to visitors and any relatives who may need it.

Functions of SATE

• Assistance with the lodging of a complaint.
• Psychological assistance where necessary.
• Cancelling credit cards and other official documents. 
• Contacting embassies and consulates.
• Contacting  or locating family members.
• Assistance with reporting lost property.
• Tourist information.

Other resources at tourists' disposal

Further, the city of Madrid offers foreign tourists who have been victims of crime the following services:

• The Municipal Police's Citizen Advice Bureaus, situated in busy areas such as Puerta del Sol, the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum offer simultaneous translation into various languages. The aim of this service is to help with the procedures that must be carried out in the event of a mishap.
• Preventative police presence in areas of high tourist traffic.
• First aid and medical assistance available in SAMUR ambulances.
• Help dealing with the formalities of petty crime, such as cancelling credit cards and similar tasks.
• Contacting embassies to assist with tourists' needs.

Safety tips

Of course, the best thing is to avoid having to use these services at all, and so we recommend you follow some simple tips:

• Follow the safety measures that are recommended by the police in your home country: being in a different city, you should be even more vigilant.
• Take the advice of staff from hotels and travel agencies.
• Be careful with your suitcases and bags in crowded, public areas, even in the hotel reception.
• Leave part of your belongings (money, documents) in the hotel safe.
• On walks, only carry the necessary documents on you, and avoid making a public show of valuable items (money, jewellery, camera equipment...).
• Take care when using cash machines / ATMs and avoid using credit cards to pay in markets and for small items. 
• Keep your belongings in sight at all times, and pay careful attention to your bag and wallet while travelling on public transport and when in large crowds.
• In establishments, do not leave belongings (telephone, camera etc.) on top of tables, and do not hang your bag on the back of chairs.
• Avoid playing games of chance in the street. They are a con.
• Be wary of dubious assistance (warnings of stained clothes, vehicle break-down etc.).
• As far as possible, try not to frequent deserted or badly lit areas of the city.

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