30% INCREASE IN CRIME IN ASMARA

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000060 DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AND AF/E E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/2029 TAGS: ASEC ECON ER SUBJECT: 30% INCREASE IN CRIME IN ASMARA Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d) ¶1. (C) The leader of the Maekel Zoba, Beraki Haile, told an Embassy source that there has been a 30% increase in crime in the last six months in the Asmara region. The Maekel Zoba includes Asmara and extends out a radius of 30 km outside of Asmara. Haile stated there has been an increase in residential burglaries (both daytime and nighttime) and thieves are increasingly targeting unoccupied residences and those residences that do not have guards present. The thieves are stealing propane tanks and other electronic household items. Assaults/muggings in Asmara are also increasing, especially during nighttime hours in poorly lit areas. Vehicle related thefts (car thefts, smash/grabs, gas siphoning, tire theft, etc.) continue to increase as these items are difficult to obtain in Asmara and can be sold for high prices. Pickpocketing in congested areas such as nightclubs and in the downtown area also is increasing. Post has also noticed an increase in aggressive panhandling in the downtown area and reports of beggars going to residences and begging for food and money. ¶2. (C) Haile stated the increase in crime is directly attributed to the worsening economic conditions in Eritrea. Food is increasingly becoming unavailable in shops and prices for staple items continue to increase at a high rate. Haile stated the Eritrean police have been unable to contain this increase in crime and are plagued by a lack of resources and a police force comprised of conscripts who are apathetic and poorly paid. ¶3. (SBU) Thus far no embassy residences have been targeted. RSO continues to receive reports of burglaries, crimes, and harassment by emotionally disturbed persons in areas where Westerners live, eat, shop, and work. MCMULLEN