Helena

I've come to Prague's defenses a number of times regarding safety and crime. I now believe that Prague has joined the ranks of normal cities where there is crime, and I even believe visitors (and residents) should take new precautions. <BR> <BR>I still believe that from a personal safety point of view, there's little chance of physical harm. But, that's where my endorsement ends. <BR> <BR>Pickpockets and purse snatchers operate in gangs, some of them made up of well-dressed Czechs, some Romanies (gypsies), and some foreign -- and I didn't get a chance to decipher the accent during the purse snatching I witnessed last night. The whole thing makes me so angry. <BR> <BR>They operate in gangs. One person snatches, then there's a handoff. Several people run in several directions, and mysterious people appear asking if you need assistance, anda dditional snatchings are attempted during the ensuing commotion. <BR> <BR>So, I don't feel threatened as far as violent assault is concerned (I stand by that view), but you can bet I'm writing down my passport and other numbers, removing extra credit cards from my wallet, changing the way I carry my bag, and never, ever getting separated from my group after dark in the little streets of Old Town. <BR> <BR>I wish there was some way to warn everyone, visitors as well as lifelong residents (last night's victim, for example), and thus remove the supply of easy targets. In my uptioan dream, the resulting lack of targets would drive those who earn their living this way to either try it somewhere else, or to (I'm dreaming) find more socially-accepted occupations to feed themselves. <BR> <BR>You see it happen a few times and suddenly you're aware, almost as if through the pickpocket's eyes, of just how many easy targets there are walking around without a care in the world. <BR> <BR>

Maira

Helena, I know that on many ocassions you have been of great assistance to potential Prague travellers. This most recent post serves as crime prevention words of wisdom to ALL travellers and I personally thank you for it. Oftentimes the "I'm on vacation" mode impairs common sense and your note certainly serves as a "wake-up" call...

Helena

It was a wake-up call to me as well, by the sheer organization of it all. There were at least 8 of them working together. Luckily, their cash take was extremely low. <BR> <BR>The biggest impact is more in terms of the victim's hassle in getting all her documents replaced. Czechs all carry an identification card, and they can't do anything without it. Getting a new health insurance card without your citizenship card, for example, is a trial I don't wish on anyone. <BR> <BR>There's a residual fear factor too. <BR> <BR>Somehow, it's less frightening when it's only one guy. When you realize it's a gang, it all feels different, suddenly. <BR> <BR>Prague is still trememdous, I still love it, and I'll still spend lots of time walking around -- albeit with my bag firmly attached to my body and empty of valuables. <BR> <BR>

Art Hussey

Hi, I just returned from 2 weeks in Budapest and Prague, the last in Prague. I walked everywhere and sow no attempts at snatching. I did wear a moneybelt and kept my fannypack in front of my waist. Maybe its because I'm 6'4" but I had no problems at all. It of course is good to take all precautions like above and putting your wallet in your front pocket. I did get approached a couple of times in prague to exchange money but was not hassled when I said no thanks. They were 2 of the most beautiful cities that I've been in and well worth visiting. <BR> <BR>Art <BR>

topper

Tom?

bruce

Hi, <BR> <BR>We just returned from Prague last week where we stayed for three days/nights. Like Art, I'm also 6'4" but that didn't prevent a group of about 5 or 6 gypsies in a train station surround me while I had my back turned to them paying for a newspaper at a kiosk in the main train station. My wife called my name to alert me, I turned and glared at one of the men. These guys came out of the woodwork. Finally, the police came by and the gang dispersed. So, do know that you have to be careful. Prague was beautiful but we will not return-never felt safe there. <BR> <BR>Bruce

Mary Ann

We spent 3 nights in Prague in mid September. We stayed in Stare Mesto and walked everywhere to St Vitus (3 times), the Jewish quarter, Wenselas Square, Old Town, used cyber cafes, the lower town, Charles Bridge, during the day and at night. We used the tram once but never the metro. We were two couples and I do not think we ever felt unsafe. That is not to say we were not cautious. We used money belts, avoided the subway, etc. In reality I felt no different than I would in Downtown Chicago or New York. I did carry a small back pack for camera, etc. We never had a problem. Friends just returned from two weeks in Prague, one week on their own. They are in their late 60s and used the Subway all the time and had no problem. I would not hesitate to return to Prague, it is a beautiful city and alot of fun. (Concerts were great too in the evening in the Museum on the steps. Go, enjoy and use the regular precautions.