Traveller's Yellow Pages Moscow
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SAFETY IN MOSCOW File Created: 29-Sep-04
See these related categories: CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN MOSCOW, RAILROAD INFORMATION - INTERCITY AND INTERNATIONAL
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Compared to most world-class cities, Moscow is relatively safe and most people are honest, helpful, and eager to be friends.
The image about a crime wave in Moscow arises largely from the Russian media itself which now is free to report any sensational event, especially a few well-publicized Mafia rubouts of Russian bankers, businessmen and competition. Russian citizens were long accustomed to the belief (if not the reality) that their streets were completely safe at night, and that crime was a "disease of capitalism". Now, the lurid TV and press reports of crime combined with a small increase in actual street crime has created in the mind of the Russian citizen this image that they themselves are now suffering from one of the worst crime waves in the world. In fact, statistically the streets in the popular parts of the city still remain as safe of safer than in London, Paris and New York.
In sum, the common myth about personal crime, and especially against foreign visitors, is simply not supported by the facts. The actual frequency of crime is relating low, and much- publicized Russian Mafia rarely are involved directly with travelers. Corruption and protection-money, however, are real problems for foreign and Russian businesses alike, but some progress is being made on this front too.
But as in any large city, there are crime and safety problems here, too. Russians, despite the image of safe streets, have long taken a number of precautions against crime (double locks on doors, never inviting a stranger into the house, not giving out their address, etc.) and you should too. Most foreigners tend to stick out in crowds and are often perceived as wealthy, thus making them potential targets for theft, robbery, and fraud. Be on guard, act defensively. Here are some reminders and recommendations for St. Petersburg and travel in general.
CRIME PROBLEMSspacetopTopspaceS indexspaceA-Z Index
Thieves, pickpockets and muggers. They come in all sizes and ages. Be especially careful of thieves and pick-pockets from elderly well dressed gentlemen and pretty prostitutes to scruffy drunks, pushy money changers, and swarms of young children.

Street urchins. Like in many European cities, roving gangs of children are perhaps the most visible and the most aggressive thieves. Much to the dismay of the gypsy community, many of them are gypsy children. Beware of gangs of dirty, ill dressed, poor looking children (under 14 because they can not be arrested). Don't be sympathetic about their condition. You may actually be in imminent danger of being robbed. These gangs work by swarming around you like bees, begging, even grabbing your legs or arms and distracting you. Then, in a flash, they cut your purse from around your neck, grab your parcels, unzip your backpack, rip off headphones, and knock you to the ground to take what they want. This happens in many other large European cities as well.

What to do. Stay with or go over to other people, go into a shop. Don't look at them, move away quickly. Don't be distracted, by begging. If you have a mace or pepper shield canister, take it out and let them see it. Use it if necessary. If they come near you, threaten to hit them and loudly shout "von" or "militia". And if a child (or even woman beggar) comes close to you, act aggressively at once. From experience we know that they will not hesitate to rob you in broad daylight.

PERSONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHspacetopTopspaceS indexspaceA-Z Index
Unmarked and unprotected street hazards. Be careful when walking on sidewalks and streets for open stairwells, deep holes, iron bars sticking out from walls and other hazards. Safety laws are not enforced.

Don't jaywalk. Cross busy streets at the light or use the underpass (perekhod) denoted by a blue and white sign with a picture of a person walking down a stairway. Russians observe these rules and with good cause.

Poor enforcement of sanitary standards. Food handling and sanitation standards are not enforced. While refrigeration, food handling and food preservation is improving, it is still primitive in many shops and eating establishments which may or may not have hot water. Water is less of a problem in Moscow then in St. Petersburg but most Russians don't drink the water. You probably shouldn't either. See WATER.

Medical problems. Traveler's requiring periodic injections should bring their own syringes needles and prescriptions. Check that your immunizations are current especially DPT and consider cholera as well. Only go to medical care facilities using disposable products. Note that there is no iodine in the salt.

Moscow, 103782 Mal. Putinkovskiy pereulok, 1/2 Tel: (095) 229-79-14 and 200-21-10 Fax: (095) 209-54-65