A battery is a type of an assault causing a risk of a death, medium or strong injuries and an assaulter can be sentenced to a custodial penalty up to 3-years. A similar penalty is in force in case of a fight in which all participants are active.
Violence using, even pushing, slaps or spitting, is a form of a misdemeanor called the violation of physical inviolability and is subject to a fine or a custodial sentence up to 1 year.
Regardless the type of situation, you have the right to report it to the police, even if it does not concern you directly.
In case of a battery resulting in an injury (bruises, scratches, fractures or more serious injuries) one has to do with vice which may result in a criminal case. In less harmful cases such as injuries lasting up to 7 days, you have to file a civil suit if you want to vindicate your rights. In case of more harmful injuries, a criminal case will be filed ex officio.
Where should you go to in case of a battery?
First, please contact with the police by calling the phone number 997 or the emergency number 112 (ask for the connection with the police).
Next, you can call the ambulance service directly at 999 or the emergency line number 112 (ask for the connection with the ambulance service).
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1 1 2 THE EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER, which you can always call from every place in Poland! |
In case of a battery, it may be necessary to have a forensic examination done by a medicine doctor having appropriate authority. The aims of a forensic examination is to determine injuries and often their causes. On its basis, it is possible to file a civil case or in case of serious injuries, the case will be filed ex officio. A forensic examination can be done in a hospital and it cost is about 40-70 PLN or in a private consulting room where costs can range from 100 to 130 PLN.
Money theft
In case when your money is stolen, the basic routine is to report such fact to the police. It is possible to report to a nearest consulate of your country and ask for a help in returning to your country. When you lost all your money, it is worth looking for a help from your acquaintances or at known organizations preoccupied with services for foreigners.
The highest risk of money theft (often together with documents) is in the city centers, in crowds, in public transport, on trains. You can lose your money also at some markets when illegally exchanging currency. Please remember that if someone offers you higher exchange rate at such places, there is a risk that he or she can give you counterfeit money.
Please also keep you car door blocked when driving through city centers or at traffic jams as it will unable the risk of loosing a bag or suitcase form a seat.
Car theft
If your car has been stolen, you should report such fact to the police. If it was insured (liability coverage), you should report a theft to your insurance company. Indemnity procedures can be started after supplying a theft protocol from the police to your insurance company.
Below, you can find a list of 10 most often stolen cars in Poland:
1. Volkswagen Passat
2. Volkswagen Golf
3. Fiat 126p
4. Audi A6
5. Audi A4
6. Fiat Seicento
7. Skoda Octavia
8. Fiat Cinquecento
9. Audi 80/Toyota Yaris
10. Fiat Panda
Source: Samar
Your car should have a burglar alarm system installed. Often used anti-burglary systems also include driving wheel and pedals locks, gearbox locks and immobilizer system in newer cars, which shuts off the supply.
In the city centers or near bigstores, it may happen that a man can offer you 'watching' your car. It is a person who will stand and watch your car for some small pay until you come back. You do not have to agree to such offer but when you decide, please give him some small sum, e.g. 1 or 2 zlotys.
