Post by Bonobo on Jun 1, 2011 19:58:59 GMT 1
www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=10601
Poland 2011 OSAC Crime and Safety Report
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
2010 Statistics from the Polish National Police
According to Polish Police sources, 2010 showed a continued decrease in overall crime in Poland. The total number of crimes decreased by 3 percent from 2009. In addition, successful prosecution of criminals is also on the rise, with a 1.2 percent increase from 2009 and a 20 percent increase since 2000.
General
The U.S. Department of State rates Warsaw as “Low” threat for crime; Krakow is rated “Low” as well. Overall, crime is down in Poland, with significant decreases since 2000. During recent meetings with police contacts in various Warsaw districts, Embassy Warsaw’s Regional Security Office (RSO) has learned that violent crime was down in the city during 2010. For example, Wilanow, the Warsaw district in which most Mission staff live, reported no homicides in the year.
Practical advice for avoiding being a crime victim is to carry only the money, credit cards, or valuables necessary. Do not draw unwanted attention and/or advertise your foreign status or appear to be affluent. Leave expensive or flashy jewelry at home, and do not display large amounts of money. Enjoy an evening out with a friend, not alone.
Most people are very comfortable moving about in public areas in Poland. Growing numbers of Poles speak English, if not on a conversational level, well enough to help with small problems.
Before visiting Poland, please review the latest U.S. Department of State worldwide caution and the latest consular warden message at www.poland.usembassy.gov under "U.S. Citizen Services".
Crime Threats
Pick pocketing is common throughout Poland, and one of the most frequently reported crimes. Most pick pocketing incidents occur on public transportation. At train stations, where many people are vulnerable, carrying cumbersome luggage and other articles, a group of thieves inconspicuously jostle their victim and the wallet is deftly lifted, money removed, or other valuables taken. Some victims have reported the use of sharp instruments to cut through purses and backpacks. Crowded public buses and trams also attract pickpockets. In 2010, no Mission personnel in Warsaw reported being the victim of a pickpocket. In Krakow, one family member of a Mission employee reported the pickpocket-style theft of her cellular phone. Anecdotal reporting indicates that high-cellular phones such as Apple’s iPhone are particularly attractive to thieves. From September 2009 to December 2010, 33 American Citizens reported stolen passports, some in conjunction with stolen purses or bags. Additionally, several American citizens reported being the victim of pickpocketing around the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow, many in the old town area including the Rynek Glowny and Wawel Castle.
Theft continues to be the crime category in Poland that impacts Official American citizens the most. However, assaults do occur on very rare occasions. The majority of these types of crimes occur when individuals have been patrons of a late night establishment. The crimes generally take place between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. As a precaution, if you are enjoying an evening out, travel in a group and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Residential break-ins are on the decline. Recently burglars are robbing homes without effort by entering through an unlocked front door or by a ruse of some sort. An American family in Warsaw was recently approached by an individual claiming to be from the gas company. The family allowed entry into the home without verifying his identity. Luckily, nothing was taken and the individual left without incident. The RSO section recommends that all workers’ credentials be verified before allowing entry into the home. In Krakow, an American citizen reported that her apartment was burglarized while she was sleeping by someone who entered through her unlocked front door.
Poland 2011 OSAC Crime and Safety Report
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
2010 Statistics from the Polish National Police
According to Polish Police sources, 2010 showed a continued decrease in overall crime in Poland. The total number of crimes decreased by 3 percent from 2009. In addition, successful prosecution of criminals is also on the rise, with a 1.2 percent increase from 2009 and a 20 percent increase since 2000.
General
The U.S. Department of State rates Warsaw as “Low” threat for crime; Krakow is rated “Low” as well. Overall, crime is down in Poland, with significant decreases since 2000. During recent meetings with police contacts in various Warsaw districts, Embassy Warsaw’s Regional Security Office (RSO) has learned that violent crime was down in the city during 2010. For example, Wilanow, the Warsaw district in which most Mission staff live, reported no homicides in the year.
Practical advice for avoiding being a crime victim is to carry only the money, credit cards, or valuables necessary. Do not draw unwanted attention and/or advertise your foreign status or appear to be affluent. Leave expensive or flashy jewelry at home, and do not display large amounts of money. Enjoy an evening out with a friend, not alone.
Most people are very comfortable moving about in public areas in Poland. Growing numbers of Poles speak English, if not on a conversational level, well enough to help with small problems.
Before visiting Poland, please review the latest U.S. Department of State worldwide caution and the latest consular warden message at www.poland.usembassy.gov under "U.S. Citizen Services".
Crime Threats
Pick pocketing is common throughout Poland, and one of the most frequently reported crimes. Most pick pocketing incidents occur on public transportation. At train stations, where many people are vulnerable, carrying cumbersome luggage and other articles, a group of thieves inconspicuously jostle their victim and the wallet is deftly lifted, money removed, or other valuables taken. Some victims have reported the use of sharp instruments to cut through purses and backpacks. Crowded public buses and trams also attract pickpockets. In 2010, no Mission personnel in Warsaw reported being the victim of a pickpocket. In Krakow, one family member of a Mission employee reported the pickpocket-style theft of her cellular phone. Anecdotal reporting indicates that high-cellular phones such as Apple’s iPhone are particularly attractive to thieves. From September 2009 to December 2010, 33 American Citizens reported stolen passports, some in conjunction with stolen purses or bags. Additionally, several American citizens reported being the victim of pickpocketing around the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow, many in the old town area including the Rynek Glowny and Wawel Castle.
Theft continues to be the crime category in Poland that impacts Official American citizens the most. However, assaults do occur on very rare occasions. The majority of these types of crimes occur when individuals have been patrons of a late night establishment. The crimes generally take place between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. As a precaution, if you are enjoying an evening out, travel in a group and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Residential break-ins are on the decline. Recently burglars are robbing homes without effort by entering through an unlocked front door or by a ruse of some sort. An American family in Warsaw was recently approached by an individual claiming to be from the gas company. The family allowed entry into the home without verifying his identity. Luckily, nothing was taken and the individual left without incident. The RSO section recommends that all workers’ credentials be verified before allowing entry into the home. In Krakow, an American citizen reported that her apartment was burglarized while she was sleeping by someone who entered through her unlocked front door.