How safe is Moscow for Americans?

[Joseph Alan Carmack]

I am coming across a barrage of warnings of "frequent crimes aimed at
Americans and Westerners", including theft, assault, muggings and pick-
pocketing (especially at the airport, trains stations, in the metro, and in
cabs already occupied by another passenger); burglary of hotel rooms;
attacks by "squads" of gypsy children who appear from nowhere and stick
pins in you; even news of drugged drinks and compartment break-ins on the
Moscow-Petersburg overnighter... etc." And this is in Moscow. Petersburg
apparently has a 30% higher crime rate.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth office gives the most staid account:

"Russian cities have their fair share of crime. Visitors should be vigilant
and keep money and valuables out of sight. Be wary in Moscow of groups of
women and children who beg and pick pockets around the main railway
concourses sometimes targeting tourists. Use officially marked taxis and do
not share them with strangers. The armed violence in major cities between
rival criminal gangs is not directed against foreigners."

The US State Dept phrases it this way:

"Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities.
Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies occur frequently and at any time or
place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the
subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist
attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or
occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on
city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking
alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around
nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis
shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups
organized by reputable tour agencies. "

Fielding's DangerFinder (http://www.fieldingtravel.com/df/index.htm) says:

"In Moscow alone, in 1993, there were 5000 murders and 20,000 incidents of
violent crime. The local population easily recognizes U.S. tourists and
business travelers as foreigners because of their clothing, accessories and
behavior. American visitors tend to experience a relatively high incidence
of certain types of crime, such as physical assaults and pickpocketing of
wallets, traveler's checks, passports and cameras on the street, in hotels,
in restaurants and in high-density tourist areas."

JAC
Pflugerville, TX

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