Boflo
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- Jan 20, 2010
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 3:20 AM
U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Warden Message - Snatch and Grab Robberies
August 17, 2010
This Warden Message is being issued as a reminder of the continuing
problem of snatch and grab robberies in Dar es Salaam. Most recently,
occupants of a vehicle have grabbed bags, purses, and backpacks from
pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on the side of the road. Many of
these robberies occurred on the Msasani peninsula, specifically on Yacht
Club Road, Chole Road, and Haile Selassie Road. The latest incident
occurred the night of August 15 on Mahando Road near the Sea Cliff
Hotel. Several of these robberies occurred after the victim visited the
Barclay's bank in Slipway.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to be aware of your surroundings
at all times and to be especially alert to individuals paying an undue
amount of attention to your activities. We also strongly advise against
carrying bags or purses while on foot or bicycle. If that is
unavoidable, be sure to carry the bag in front of you or on your side
furthest away from traffic. Bags that are nondescript, or even worn or
dirty in appearance, may be less appealing to criminals.
Facing oncoming traffic as you walk may allow you to anticipate a
robbery attempt and take evasive action. It is wise to avoid walking
after dark.
If you experience a snatch and grab robbery, release your belongings to
avoid physical injury. By hanging on, you risk being dragged down the
street (as has happened already), or getting caught under the rear wheel
of the car. To avoid losing your cell phone along with your bag or
purse, carry it in a pocket or somewhere else on your person.
The local equivalent to the "911" emergency line in Tanzania is: 111
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Tanzania are encouraged to register
with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration
website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can
obtain updated information on travel and security within Tanzania. U.S.
citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest
U.S. Embassy. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted by telephone at [255] (22)
266-8001 x 4122 and by fax at [255] (22) 266-8238. You may also contact
the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email at drsacs@state.gov. For after
hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call [255] (22) 266-8001.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in
the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of
Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747
from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other
countries.
