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