Crime in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian word for crime is “престъпност” (prestapnost), while an individual criminal offence may be called “престъпление” (prestaplenie). The police are called “полиция” (politsiya). Petty theft can occur where people are crowded or distracted, including public transport, stations, markets, nightlife areas, and visitor locations. Phones, wallets, bags, and documents need particular care. Fraud may involve misleading prices, false identities, payment requests, rentals, goods, services, investments, or urgent stories designed to create pressure. A demand for secrecy or immediate payment is a reason to stop and verify. Homes and vehicles can be targets of theft or burglary. Lock doors and windows, avoid leaving valuables visible, and control who receives keys, entry codes, or information about an empty property. Online crime includes account theft, fake messages, malicious links, payment fraud, and misuse of personal data. Strong unique passwords, additional account verification, and careful checking of messages reduce exposure. Violence and harassment require distance and help, not confrontation. Move to a populated place, contact trusted people, and call 112 when danger is immediate. For urgent incidents or a crime in progress, 112 is the main emergency route. Non-urgent reports and later documentation are normally handled through the police, with the appropriate procedure depending on the event. Useful evidence can include the time, place, descriptions, messages, receipts, account details, photographs, witness contacts, and a list of stolen property. Preserve original material and avoid changing or deleting it. Victims may also need to contact their bank, insurer, accommodation provider, employer, consular service, or account provider. Each organization has a different role, so a police report does not automatically replace those separate notifications.