PORT LOUIS CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR OSAC

UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000017 DEPT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/AF FOR CHRIS KOLLMAR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER MP SUBJECT: PORT LOUIS CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR OSAC REF: 08 STATE 132056 ¶1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime in Mauritius is relatively low. Violent crimes are generally uncommon and when they do happen, oftentimes it involves some type of family dispute. Due to the large tourist industry, petty crime is a problem. There is a potential for pick pocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas. Residential break-ins are reported frequently on the island. Most break-ins are surreptitious and do not involve violence, however some burglars have brandished weapons, such as knives or machetes. Although uncommon, there have been reports of armed robbery and assault. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels. All individuals should exercise caution on beaches and poorly lit or deserted areas at night. Thefts in tourist areas are a concern, and visitors should keep track of their belongings at all times. Women are advised against walking alone, particularly on public beaches and at night. Americans should avoid crowds and street demonstrations, and maintain a low profile. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. ¶2. (U) Traffic Safety and Road Conditions Driving in Mauritius is on the left side of the road. The main roads are generally paved and well-kept. Roads can sometimes be narrow and uneven with inadequate lighting, which makes night driving hazardous. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, but all road and traffic signs are posted in English. Drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts. Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets. Babies and toddlers should be placed in child safety seats. Many accidents occur due to excessive speed and violations of road regulations. In addition, there are a lot of individuals riding scooters and it is not uncommon for them to dart in and out of traffic so travelers should take special precautions when traveling near them. Drivers involved in an accident are required by law to remain at the scene until the police arrive. However, if an angry crowd gathers and those involved in the accident feel threatened, police and judicial authorities have in the past not taken action against drivers who leave the scene if they have proceeded directly to a police station. In cases of minor accidents involving two parties but which involve no injuries and where drivers are not under the influence of alcohol/drugs, drivers may fill out and sign an 'Agreed Statements of Facts.' Police presence is not required for this. Each party should retain one copy of the statement for presentation to respective auto insurance companies. While there are organizations that provide emergency or roadside assistance, their resources and capabilities are limited and on occasion they are unable to respond in non-life threatening incidents. Public transportation by bus is available between the main towns until 11:00 p.m. and in remote areas until 6 p.m. Taxis are also available. ¶3. (U) Political Violence Although there are occasional demonstrations by various groups, the demonstrations are relatively peaceful in nature. In addition, there are currently no threats facing Americans in regards to terrorism, war, or civil unrest. The government of Mauritius is considerably stable. ¶4. (U) Post Specific Concerns Mauritius is prone to cyclones during the cyclone season which extends from November to May but more so during the months of January to March due it those months being the hottest. There are some drug concerns, primarily heroin, but it's typically used by the locals. The police have not reported any major instances of tourist use. ¶5. (U) Police Response The police are very good at responding to any incident whether it's for crime or a traffic accident. There are police stationed throughout the island with sufficient coverage especially in the tourist areas. In the event of an incident, there will typically be a police station nearby. English is widely spoken here so directions can easily be sought. Also, the police can be contacted by simply dialing 999. ¶6. (U) Medical Emergencies For any emergency involving an American citizen that occurs outside office hours and which cannot wait until the Embassy reopens, please call the Embassy Duty Officer directly at (230) 253 3641. Medical facilities are available, but more limited than in the United States. Emergency assistance is limited. While public hospitals and clinics provide free care, many visitors may choose to be treated by private doctors and hospitals. Service Aide Medicale Urgence (SAMU) is a government organization that provides ambulance and emergency assistance in response to calls to 114 (Address: Volcy Pougnet Street, Port Louis). MegaCare is a private organization that provides assistance to subscribers only (Address: 99 Draper Avenue, Quatre Bornes; phone: 116; 464-6116). ¶7. (U) Emergency Contacts The US Embassy's main contact number (230) 202-4400. For after-hours, the US Embassy duty phone number is (230) 253-3641. The primary emergency care facility is Clinique Darn (230-601-2300) located in the center of the island. This is the facility to use if at all possible. In the north of the island, there is a private clinic called Clinique du Nord, Royal Road, Tombeau Bay (230-247-2532). Souillac Hospital (230-625-5589) is a government hospital located in the south of the island, but should be used only in dire emergencies until appropriate care can be secured. ¶8. (U) POC for this information is RSO Kevin Helm at Helmk@state.gov or 230-202-4470. CABRERA