Originally Posted by
jpmcdonough
I reviewed the US State Dept page on Russia and, frankly, it scared the poop out of me.
Have you read their pages on major Western European countries?:
France:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1116.htmlToday, numerous radical Islamic groups claim sympathizers within France’s large immigrant community, as evidenced by arrests over the last few years. [..] travelers should maintain vigilance. [..] t is important to remember that passersby can always suffer collateral damage should demonstrations devolve into violence. [..] in recent years, the violent crime rate has increased. Thieves commonly target vehicles with non-local license plates, and work in or near tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, trains, train stations, airports, and subways. [..] There has been an increase in break-ins and thefts from vehicles in the parking lots at the Normandy beaches and American cemeteries. [..] Southern France: Thefts from cars with unlocked doors or open windows stopped at red lights or caught in slow traffic are very common [..]
Spain:
Spain and Andorra share with the rest of the world an increased threat of international terrorist incidents. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Spain's open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. Spain’s proximity to North Africa makes it vulnerable to attack from Al Qaeda of the Maghreb terrorists. Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. [..] street crimes against tourists occur in the principal tourist areas. Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, report incidents of pickpocketing, mugging and occasional violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older tourists and Asian Americans seem to be particularly at risk. Criminals frequent tourist areas and major attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, outdoor cafes, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, beach resorts, city buses, subways, trains, train stations, airports, and ATMs. [..] Thieves often work in teams of two or more people. [..] Theft from vehicles is also common. [..]
UK:
Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. [..] typical incidents include pick pocketing; muggings; “snatch and grab” thefts of mobile phones, watches and jewelry; and thefts of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites and restaurants, and on buses, trains, and the London subway (known as the Tube or Underground). Thieves often target unattended cars parked at tourist sites and roadside restaurants, looking for laptop computers and handheld electronic equipment, especially global positioning satellite equipment. Walking in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, should be avoided, as these are advantageous venues for muggers and thieves. At night or when there is little foot traffic, travelers should be especially careful using the underground pedestrian tunnels. As a general rule, either walk the extra distance to use a surface crossing or wait until there are other adult pedestrians entering the tunnel. [..]
Germany:
German authorities remain vigilant in combating the threat posed by foreign extremists. [..] In addition, hooligans, most often young intoxicated “skinheads” have been known to harass or even attack people whom they believe to be foreigners or members of rival groups. [..] CRIME: Violent crime [..] can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as train stations. Most incidents of street crime consist of theft of unattended items and pick-pocketing. There have been a few reports of aggravated assault against U.S. citizens in higher-risk areas.