Re: FYI - Crime in Cuba

[millybess]

[tsagaert]

I read this article as well, and am wondering how concerned we should really be? We have travelled to the D.R., Jamaica, and Mexico in the past. Common sense is always a must, but we were hoping to do a little exploring when we are in Cuba, is leaving your resort that unsafe?

[millybess]

Steve, I read what you posted on the "other" site in iluv2travel's thread.  Might want to post it here too.  ;)   We need  all the info!

[flopnfly]

I have always thought of Cuba as one of the safest places for tourists to visit.  Of course there is crime, but realtively speaking it appears to be much safer than some of the other islands.
 
 I live in Toronto which lately has become a very hazardous place to live with the random shootings.  I used to feel quite safe in my neighbourhood because the "trouble" was always in somebody elses backyard but now it has spread.  
 
 Common sense and street smarts are a necessity to survive anywhere in this world these days.  
 
 Fear does not keep me locked in my house at home, and it doesn't keep me locked in my resort when I go on vacation, I just use common sense and I'm always aware of my surroundings.
 
 Like I said I live in a big city so when I go on vacation I prefer to go somewhere that I can relax and get away from the crowds.  
 
 Cuba is still relatively "safe" if common sense is used.

[Tuss]

Like travelling in any country (include our own) common sense must rule.  Everyone should carry a couple pieces of ID on vacation and they should never have it all in the same place.  ie:  leave one piece of ID locked up in the hotel safe when you are out touring Havana - that way you can always prove your identity if things are stolen.  Passports should be kept in a money belt, not in a purse or in your pockets.  Don't flash wallets with large amounts of cash. Don't make things too tempting to pickpockets.  It's just common sense.

[Bulldog]

You are all right !!
 
 Common sense first and no Country is perfect !
 
   :)    :s:

[Steve_YYZ]

Well, here's the "entire article" as posted on the Globe and Mail website.
 ----------------------------------------------
 
 Crime in Cuba
 Cuba is rarely thought of as a hotbed of crime[/i]
 
 Saturday, January 14, 2006 Posted at 4:01 AM EST
 From Saturday's Globe and Mail
 
 Cuba is rarely thought of as a hotbed of crime, but the Department of Foreign Affairs is warning tourists that increasing numbers of Canadians have been victims of pickpocketing, theft and assault — especially in Havana's Old Havana, Centro Havana, the Malecon, and Vedado and on the beaches of Playas del Este and Varadero. Those who are mugged and stripped of identification and money should contact the Canadian embassy before the local cops, who may just toss them in jail until their identity is confirmed and their solvency restored.
 
 For more information, contact the embassy of Canada in Havana at 53(7) 204-2516 or visit www.havana.gc.ca.
 ------------------------------------------------
 
 Now first off, the website provided is Canada's Embassy in Cuba, but the actual "story" came from the Canada Consular Affairs Website info on Cuba.
 Country Travel Report - Cuba
 
 Other than the Globe changing the word robbed to the more inflammatory "mugged and stripped" it's not exactly insightfull journalism. Just a cut and paste space filler passed off as news.
 
 Travel Report(from the Foreign Affairs Website)
 There continues to be an increase in the number of Canadians who are victims of pickpocketing, theft and assault, especially in Havana (the neighbourhoods of Old Havana, Centro Havana, the Malecón, and Vedado), and on the beaches of Playas del Este and Varadero. Theft of valuables from checked baggage is also common. Do not place valuables in your luggage.
 
 The autumn months of 2005 have seen an increase in violent crime, including the stabbing death of a tourist. Exercise caution at all times, especially in tourist areas. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid wearing jewellery or showing signs of affluence. Incidents should be reported to local police, even though they will often just provide a slip of paper indicating that they took a statement on a certain date. Police officers may only speak Spanish. In cases where a Canadian has been robbed of all identification and money, it is advisable to contact the Embassy of Canada before contacting the police in order to avoid being held in jail until your identity is confirmed and your solvency restored.
 -------------------------------------------------
 
 Would I worry about it. Heck no. I think Greslogo's common sense advice is best. As to the Globe and Mail, well I call it the "Mop and Pail", about what it's worth IMHO.
 
 Steve