NEED TO KNOW
At Moroccan Tourist Assistance Service (MOTAS), we understand the challenges that can arise when navigating in a foreign legal system and seeking victim support if you have been a victim of crime. That's why we're here to help. Our dedicated and trained staff are ready to assist you in understanding your rights and ensuring that you receive the necessary legal and emotional assistance during these unfortunate circumstances.
FIND HELP
We understand the importance of enabling victims and witnesses of crime to access assistance that is geographically close to them, minimizing the associated costs. Soon, you will therefore be able to find information about legal and emotional support available near you.
ENRICHMENT CRIME
If you are a victim of crime, it is crucial to contact the police immediately to report the incident and seek appropriate assistance, including for insurance purposes. Depending on the nature of the crime, you may also need to reach out to the authorities in your home country, your embassy, and your insurance company. If you are uncertain about the necessary steps to take, we have here tried to make some short guides.
Losing your passport while traveling abroad can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take immediate action. Remember, each country may have specific requirements and processes for replacing a stolen passport. Here is a short guide on what to do if your passport is stolen while traveling:
- Secure your belongings: Take steps to secure your remaining belongings and consider changing passwords or notifying relevant authorities if any personal information was stolen along with your passport.
- Report the theft: Contact the local authorities or police station in the country where the theft occurred. File a police report and obtain a copy as it may be required for passport replacement and insurance purposes.
- Contact your embassy or consulate: Locate the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country and inform them about the stolen passport. They will provide guidance on the necessary steps to obtain a new passport.
- Apply for a new passport: Follow the instructions provided by your embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport. You may need to provide documentation such as a police report, identification, and passport photos. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees.
- Inform your travel companions: If you’re traveling with others, inform them about the situation so they can be aware and provide support if needed.
- Contact your travel insurance provider: If you have travel insurance, reach out to your insurance provider to understand what coverage is available for passport theft and any assistance they can offer.
Stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and seek assistance from the appropriate authorities to ensure a smooth resolution to the situation.
If your credit card is stolen while traveling abroad, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize any potential damage and protect your finances. Here is a short guide on what to do if your credit card is stolen:
- Notify your credit card issuer: Contact your credit card issuer immediately to report the theft. They will deactivate the stolen card and prevent any unauthorized transactions.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly monitor your credit card and bank accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized charges, report them to your credit card issuer immediately.
- File a police report: Visit the local police station and file a report about the stolen credit card. This document may be required by your credit card issuer or insurance provider.
- Keep a record of important information: Note down the date and time of the theft, as well as the location and any relevant details about the incident. This information will be helpful when reporting the theft to your credit card issuer and for future reference.
- Obtain a replacement card: Contact your credit card issuer to request a replacement card. They will guide you through the process and ensure that a new card is issued to you as soon as possible.
- Update automatic payments and recurring charges: If you had any automatic payments or recurring charges set up with the stolen credit card, make sure to update them with your new card information to avoid any disruptions.
- Be vigilant with personal information: Along with your credit card, other personal information may have been stolen. Monitor your identity and be cautious about any potential identity theft. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report for added protection.
Remember, the specific procedures may vary depending on your credit card issuer and the country you are in. It’s important to follow their instructions, report the theft promptly, and take necessary precautions to safeguard your financial well-being while traveling abroad.
If your driver’s license is stolen while traveling abroad, and especially if you are renting or driving your own car in Morocco, then follow these steps to handle the situation:
- File a police rapport: Immediately contact the local police or law enforcement agency in the area where your driver’s license was stolen. File a police report and provide them with all the necessary details about the theft.
- Notify your country’s embassy or consulate: Inform your country’s embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting about the theft. They can provide guidance on the next steps and assist you in obtaining a temporary travel document if needed.
- Obtain a copy of the police report: Request a copy of the police report for your records and future reference. This document may be required by your local authorities or insurance provider as well as if you are stopped by the traffic police afterwards.
- Contract car rental – if you have rented a car to inform them and to ask for a copy of your driver license, because the car rental will always take a copy of your driver’s license when renting a car.
- Contact your local driver’s license agency: Reach out to the appropriate driver’s license agency in your home country to replace your driver’s license.
Be cautious about identity theft: Along with your driver’s license, other personal information may have been stolen. Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report to protect against potential identity theft.
If your phone is stolen while traveling abroad, here’s a short guide on what to do:
- Activate phone tracking: If you had enabled a phone tracking app or service, such as Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android), use it to track the location of your phone. If you’re successful in locating it, exercise caution and consider involving local law enforcement to retrieve it safely.
- Secure your accounts: Immediately change the passwords for all your accounts, especially those linked to your stolen phone, such as email, social media, and banking accounts to protect your personal information and prevents unauthorized access.
- Contact your service provider: Get in touch with your mobile service provider and inform them about the theft. They can suspend your phone service to prevent any unauthorized usage and help track the device if possible. They can also assist you in transferring your number to a new SIM card or device.
- File a police report: Report the theft to the local police or law enforcement authorities in the area where it occurred. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the make, model, and unique identifiers of your phone. Request a copy of the police report for insurance purposes and to document the incident.
- Contact your insurance provider: If you have travel insurance or mobile phone insurance, contact your provider to report the theft and initiate the claim process.
- Inform your contacts: Notify your important contacts, friends, and family members about the theft. Provide them with an alternative contact number or email address if available. This will help them stay in touch with you during your travels.
- Take preventive measures: Learn from the experience and take precautions to prevent future incidents. Enable a PIN, passcode, or biometric authentication on your new device for added security. Consider installing a reputable mobile security app to protect your data and track your phone if it’s lost or stolen again.
Remember to always be cautious with your belongings while traveling and remain aware of your surroundings. Being prepared for such unfortunate events can help minimize the impact of a stolen phone and allow you to continue enjoying your trip with peace of mind.
If your personal belongings are stolen while traveling abroad, here’s a short guide on what to do:
- Stay calm and assess the situation: Take a moment to compose yourself and assess the extent of the theft.
- Keep a record of stolen items: Make a list of all the stolen belongings, including their approximate value and any relevant details for insurance claims and the police.
- File a police report: Immediately report the theft to the local police and provide a detailed description of the stolen items, any identifying marks, and the circumstances surrounding the theft. Request a copy of the police report for insurance.
- Notify your insurance provider: If you have travel insurance, contact your insurance provider to report the theft and initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation required for reimbursement of the stolen items including the police rapport
- Take preventive measures: Learn from the experience and take precautions to prevent future thefts. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Consider using a money belt or secure bag to keep your valuables close to your body. Avoid displaying expensive items or large sums of cash in public.
Remember, the most important thing is your safety and well-being. While it can be distressing to have your personal belongings stolen, following these steps will help you navigate the situation and minimize any potential losses. Stay vigilant, and don’t let the incident overshadow the rest of your trip.
SEXUAL CRIME
If you are a victim of a sexual crime, it is crucial to seek immediate help and medical attention. Reach out to the police, hospital, your embassy, or other available resources for support. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can assist you. If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, offer your assistance in getting the necessary help and support. If you are unsure about the steps to take, follow our guide to ensure you receive the necessary assistance.
If you have been sexually assaulted, we recommend that you contact the local police immediately. Your embassy will also be able to advise and accompany you in the search for a lawyer depending on the case. We also recommend that you contact your insurance company to secure your legal protection. If you are not sent to a doctor, you may want to arrange your own appointment to make sure you are physically okay.
Are you a victim of rape, you must contact the local police as soon as possible to be examined by a doctor for possible injuries and look for DNA traces of your attacker. To secure possible evidence please avoid taking a shower or bath before this examination and don’t throw away your clothes. Your embassy will be able to advise and accompany you in the search for a lawyer and you may need to contact your insurance company to ensure your legal protection.
Most embassies are in the capital, Rabat.
You can always call the police or go to the local police station, so they can help you or guide you to the right place. If you are at the hospital due to an assault or injuries, they will contact the police for you, if you wish. If you feel safer by getting your embassy involved, you can also ask the hospital to contact your embassy who will then contact, and assist you with, the police.
As a victim of rape, the police will make sure that you are taken to the hospital or a doctor – depending on your needs. If you have not been in contact with the police yet, we recommend that you do so – if you do not wish to talk to the police first, please go to the nearest hospital, to get the medical help that you need. If you wish, the hospital can then help you contact the police.
If you have witnessed a crime, report it to the local police immediately. You can report the crime by going to a police station in person. The police may also take your report at the scene of the crime. What you tell the police is very important for the police to solve the crime, and your statement will be important if the case goes to court. It is therefore important that you are precise and tell the police everything you witnessed.
PHYSICAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL CRIME
If you have experienced physical or psychological assault, it is crucial to seek help promptly. Your mental well-being is as important as your physical health. Depending on the situation, consider seeking medical attention, reporting the incident to local authorities, or contacting your embassy. If you are unsure about the necessary steps, follow our guide to ensure you receive the support you need.
If you need to report a crime, you will have to go to the local police in Tangier in the area where the crime was committed. If you feel unsafe in any way, we urge you to take a taxi to the nearest police station, or to ask someone to help you contact the police. Remember that the police are there to help you in any way they can. If there is a language barrier, the police will find someone to interpret. Depending on the type of crime you have been victim to, you may also have to contact your embassy or/and make sure you are taken to the hospital.
If you need immediate medical assistance, please call the emergency services at XXX. You can also contact the hospital, or a doctor listed in the section “Find help”.
If you need emergency assistance, please call the emergency services at XXX. You can also contact the hospital or find a doctor under “FIND HELP”
If you witness a crime, it is important that you contact the local police to help them with relevant information. If possible, we urge that you take photos of the crime scene, and take notes of what happened, what the perpetrator looked like, when it happened, etc., so you don’t forget important details. However, your own safety is the most important thing, and you must Never get involved – get to safety before you inform the police. Remember that the words “HELP” and “POLICE!” are universal.
WITNESS TO A CRIME
If you have experienced physical or psychological assault, it is crucial to seek help promptly. Your mental well-being is as important as your physical health. Depending on the situation, consider seeking medical attention, reporting the incident to local authorities, or contacting your embassy. If you are unsure about the necessary steps, follow our guide to ensure you receive the support you need.
If you have been a witness to a crime, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of yourself and others, as well as to assist law enforcement in their investigation. Here’s a guide on what to do:
- Prioritize safety: If you witness a crime in progress, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Remove yourself from harm’s way and find a safe location nearby.
- Call emergency services: Call the police to report the crime and provide them with all the necessary details. Stay on the line and follow their instructions.
- Preserve the scene: If it is safe to do so, try to preserve the crime scene by not touching anything or moving any objects. This can help law enforcement gather evidence and investigate the crime more effectively.
- Be observant: Take note of important details such as physical descriptions of the suspects, their clothing, any getaway vehicles or license plate numbers, and the direction they fled.
- Offer assistance: If there are any victims or injured parties, provide assistance within your capacity while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
- Cooperate with law enforcement: When the police or authorities arrive at the scene, provide them with a detailed account of what you witnessed.
- Maintain your safety and privacy: In some cases, being a witness to a crime can put you at risk. If you feel unsafe or threatened, notify law enforcement, and follow their guidance. It is also important to be cautious about discussing the incident with others and avoid sharing sensitive information that could compromise the investigation or your safety.
Remember, being a witness to a crime is a serious matter, and your cooperation can make a significant difference in bringing the perpetrators to justice.