When to report to Gardaí — what items qualify
Understanding which lost items should be reported to Irish police and when
Quick Decision Guide
Not every lost item needs to be reported to the Gardaí. Use this guide to understand when police involvement is necessary and appropriate.
Golden Rule:
Report if the item is valuable, contains sensitive information, or if theft is suspected.
Items You MUST Report
Identity Documents & Official Papers
- Passport (Irish or foreign)
- Driving licence
- PPS card
- Birth/Marriage/Death certificates
- Immigration documents
- Garda Age Cards
Why:
Identity theft protection and legal requirement
High-Value Items (€500+)
- Expensive jewelry
- Watches (Rolex, etc.)
- High-end electronics
- Professional equipment
- Art or collectibles
- Designer handbags/items
Why:
Insurance claims and theft investigation
When Theft is Suspected
- Item taken from secure location
- Signs of forced entry
- Witnessed suspicious activity
- Item disappeared from locked car
- Multiple items missing
Why:
Criminal investigation required
Sensitive or Dangerous Items
- Work laptops with company data
- Medical records or devices
- Legal documents
- Weapons or restricted items
- Keys to business/public buildings
Why:
Security and data protection concerns
Items You SHOULD Consider Reporting
Moderate Value Items (€100-€500)
- Smartphones and tablets
- Cameras and equipment
- Power tools
- Bicycles
- Gaming consoles
When to report:
If needed for insurance or if theft suspected
High Sentimental Value
- Family heirlooms
- Wedding rings
- Memorial items
- Religious items
- Vintage/antique items
Consider if:
Unique/irreplaceable or if theft suspected
Items You Usually DON'T Need to Report
Everyday Items
- •Clothing and accessories
- •Books and magazines
- •Umbrellas
- •Basic sunglasses
- •Reusable water bottles
Low-Value Electronics
- •Basic headphones
- •Phone chargers
- •Basic watches
- •Fitness trackers (basic)
- •Portable batteries
Personal Items
- •House keys (unless theft)
- •Gym bags
- •Lunch boxes
- •Notebooks
- •Basic cosmetics
Alternative:
Try Lost.ie, contact venues directly, check with transport providers
How to Report to Gardaí
Reporting Methods
In Person (Recommended):
Visit your local Garda station during opening hours
Phone (Non-Emergency):
Call your local station directly
Emergency Only:
999 or 112 - only if immediate danger or crime in progress
Online:
Some stations accept online reports for non-urgent matters
What to Bring/Prepare
- Photo ID
- Detailed description of item
- Serial numbers (if known)
- Photos of the item
- Proof of ownership (receipts)
- Time and location last seen
- Circumstances of loss
Major Garda Stations Contact Information
Dublin Stations
Store Street:
01 666 8000
Pearse Street:
01 666 9000
Fitzgibbon Street:
01 666 8400
Cork Stations
Anglesea Street:
021 452 2000
Mayfield:
021 455 8510
Togher:
021 494 7120
Galway Stations
Mill Street:
091 538 000
Salthill:
091 514 720
Limerick Stations
Henry Street:
061 212 400
Mayorstone:
061 456 980
Waterford Stations
Waterford:
051 305 300
Tramore:
051 391 620
Find Your Local Station
Website: garda.ie/station-directory
General Enquiries: 01 666 0000
Important Things to Remember
- Get a reference number: Always ask for and record your incident number
- Keep records: Save copies of your statement and any correspondence
- Follow up: Check back periodically - items are often recovered later
- Insurance: You may need a Garda report number for insurance claims
- Be patient: Non-urgent reports may take time to process
- Provide updates: Contact Gardaí if you recover the item yourself
When NOT to Call 999/112
DON'T call emergency for:
- •Items lost hours or days ago
- •Low-value personal items
- •Items left behind accidentally
- •General enquiries
- •Non-urgent reporting
DO call emergency for:
- •Theft in progress
- •Immediate danger
- •Suspicious activity happening now
- •Break-ins or burglary
- •Anyone injured