ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ZAGREB 000012 SIPDIS FOR DS/OSAC, DS/IP/EUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR CROATIA - 2008 REF: STATE 199547 ¶1. (U) The following is the 2008 OSAC Annual Crime and Safety Report for Croatia. The report responses are keyed to REFTEL format, paragraph 3. ¶2. (U) I. Overall Crime and Safety Situation: ¶A. Croatia enjoys a relatively low crime rate by US and European standards. It is generally safe to move about the major cities and tourist areas. In Zagreb residential burglaries do occur in the more affluent neighbourhoods with increases in frequency observed during holiday and vacation periods. Croatia is a popular tourist destination, especially along the Adriatic coast. While reported crime rates in the coastal regions are normally low, petty street crimes and document theft surge during the peak summer tourist season. This year Croatia has experienced an increase in ATM scams/fraud. Almost every major city in Croatia has been targeted by criminals who have the technical ability and/or the street smarts to obtain ATM card information and pin codes from ATMs and/or their users. These criminals then use this information to extract funds from an account illegally. Violent crime involving visitors is rare. However, armed robberies in Zagreb targeting banks, armoured car deliveries, post offices and gambling businesses continue to be a problem. Organized crime groups target each other using intimidation tactics utilizing explosives and firearms. There are no indications that Americans living or visiting Croatia have been targeted in these crimes. Croatian Police are aggressive in their response to these activities. ¶B. Buses and trams in Zagreb are safe and efficient. Taxis are also safe with only occasional reports of fare abuse. Croatian roads are generally paved and in fair to good condition. Traffic accidents from aggressive drivers are common and rise noticeably during the summer holiday season. II. Political Violence: ¶A. Political violence is rare. There are occasional demonstrations by labour unions and veteran groups directed towards local government policies, but they have been generally peaceful. Since 2003, there have not been any demonstrations directed at the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb. Some ethnic tensions lingering from the 1990's wars still exist and are more pronounced in certain regions of the country. 
 ¶B. Croatia has no known domestic terrorists groups. Organized crime is an issue in Croatia and the region in general. Organized Crime groups in the region operate across borders with relative ease although there is new focus by the Croatians to address this problem. ¶C. There are no known international terrorist groups in Croatia, nor would it be a welcoming safehaven. ¶D. Civil unrest is not a current issue in Croatia. III. Post Specific Concerns: ¶A. Zagreb is located within a seismically active region and minor tremors are occasionally felt. The last large-scale earthquake in or around Zagreb occurred in 1880. ¶B. The Krsko nuclear power plant is located in Slovenia, about 40 kilometres from Zagreb. The plant has been in service since 1984 and is scheduled to remain in service for another twenty years. No known safety issues have occurred at the plant, but given the close proximity earthquakes or industrial accidents are potential concerns. ¶C. Kidnappings are a rare occurrence in Croatia. ¶D. The region has a history of smuggling by established crime groups to include movement of illicit drugs. There is some violence associated with smuggling but it currently does not rise to the level of narcoterrorism. ¶E. Americans are reminded that Croatian law requires all visitors to register with the police upon entering the country. Registration at a hotel will satisfy the registration requirement. Travellers who are staying in private accommodations should register with the local police precinct. ¶F. A legacy of the war is landmines. Croatia has an effective de-mining program but there are still, by some estimates, upwards of half a million mines in border and former conflict areas. IV. Police Response: ¶A. Police support provided to foreign crime victims has been consistently satisfactory and timely. If you are harassed, detained or arrested by the Croatian police you should contact the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible and ask to speak to the American Citizens Services section. ¶B. The nationwide police emergency number is 92. In Zagreb the police have an English-speaking dispatcher on duty at all times. Outside of Zagreb this may not be the case. ¶V. Medical Emergencies: ¶A. The nationwide medical emergency number is 94, the fire emergency number is 93. The medical dispatch center also tries to maintain an English speaker on duty. The primary trauma hospital in Zagreb is "Traumatoligija" located at Draskoviceva 19, Phone 385-1-461-0011. Air Ambulance companies based in Austria service Croatia. VI. Travel Precautions: ¶A. Visitors to one of the several "gentlemen's" clubs in Croatia are cautioned to be aware of drink prices. On several occasions tourists have unknowingly run up exorbitant bar bills, sometimes in the thousands of dollars. In Croatia it is legal to charge any price as long as the price is posted. However, these establishments post drink lists in small text and in odd places making it difficult for patrons to see the prices. The establishment staff may resort to threats or strong arm tactics to those customers who will not pay the bill. ¶B. Caution is advised when visiting gambling establishments due to the number of armed robberies targeting those locations. Also, visitors should be extra vigilant during large soccer events which tend to draw large crowds and occasionally some violence. ¶C. Visitors are recommended to avoid using stand alone and/or isolated ATMs as these machines appear to be targeted by theft schemes more often then ATMs located inside banks, shopping centers or hotels. Visitors are reminded not to give your pin number to anyone and that it is recommended to cover the touchpad with your hand when entering your pin code. VII. Further Information: ¶A. Duty Officer 385-91-455-2247 U.S. embassy business hours 385-1-661-2200 U.S. embassy 24hours 385-1-661-2400 RSO office 385-1-661-2228 Consular Affairs 385-1-661-2300 Political/econ section 385-1-661-2283 Foreign Commercial Service 385-1-661-2090 Medical Unit 385-1-661-2274 CROMAC De-mining Center 385-44-554-151 VIII. OSAC Country Council: ¶A. The OSAC Country council for Croatia is in the development stages. For more information, or to become a member, please contact the Regional Security Office, OSAC'S Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator or visit http://Zagreb.osac.gov. WALKER