OSAC - Malta 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Currently, the U.S. Department of State classifies Malta as “medium” for crime on a scale ranging: low-medium-high-critical. The chances of being victimized by crime are significantly less than in most American cities. Statistics maintained for the last seven years testify to the fact that American citizens rarely fall victim to criminal activity in Malta. This is a function of being informed and taking the proper precautions.

A majority of crimes are non-violent confrontations characterized as crimes of opportunity (i.e., pick pocketing, theft of unattended possessions in public places or hotel rooms, bag snatching, and financial scams). Crimes against property have been gradually decreasing in the past year and can also be characterized as non-violent crimes of opportunity (i.e., smash and grab from unattended vehicles, car theft).

That said, occasional drug-related crime and crime involving grievous bodily injury or assault do occur in Malta. Increasingly, robberies are being committed by individuals armed with handguns or shotguns. Violent crime increased steadily every year between 1998 and 2006, except for a drop in 2001. 2007 saw a 10 percent drop in crime overall, led by a drop in theft, forgery, and fraud, according to a report issued by Malta Police Force. This decline was likely due to an increase in the number of mobile squads and a more robust, better trained Cyber Crime and Fraud Section. However, 2007 also witnessed an increase in drug-related crimes involving bodily harm, likely owing to the lack of police on patrol in traditionally high crime areas and a large number of local police stations being closed for extended periods due to staffing problems. A chronic lack of human resources remains the largest obstacle for the Malta Police Force.

In recent years there has been a trend towards two or more individuals working together in perpetrating burglaries and armed robberies. Crimes committed by third-country nationals account for a significant portion of the criminal activity overall. The embassy received no reports of crimes against American citizens in 2005 or 2006. However, in 2007, two reports were filed. The first involved a theft from a hotel room while the occupants were sleeping. The perpetrator scaled an outdoor balcony and entered the hotel room via a sliding glass door that had been left ajar. The second report involved theft of suitcases from a rental vehicle parked in a controlled lot at a local tourist destination. Both cases remain unsolved.

Driving in Malta is safe and a majority of drivers abide by the standard rules and signs. However, driving can be challenging due to a myriad of factors: the number of vehicles, limited roadways, narrow streets, lack of a grid system, obscure street signs, frequent unannounced detours, roundabouts, and for those who are not familiar with driving on the left side (like Great Britain). Motorists, especially bus drivers, can be impatient and aggressive by U.S. standards. Maltese roads, especially older ones, are frequently in a state of disrepair. Drivers are advised to take their time, acquire good directions to destinations before setting out, and avoid low-lying areas during heavy rainstorms due to the potential for flash flooding. Be sure your car contains a flashlight, flares, warning triangle, medical kit, and equipment to change a tire. Obey posted traffic signs and signals, especially pedestrian crossings. Lock your car doors while driving. When your car is unattended, avoid leaving items in plain view. Public transportation is widely available. Taxis are safe but can be expensive. The Maltese bus system is extensive and affordable but many buses are old and poorly maintained.

The threat of political violence against American interests in Malta is rated as “low.” For comparative purposes, Dublin, Prague, Vienna, and Helsinki, along with many other European cities, share this rating. Acts of terrorism and civil unrest are uncommon in Malta, but in today’s world, terrorism is a concern for Americans everywhere, including Malta.

The last significant incident of terrorism in Malta took place in October 1995, when the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was assassinated. Malta has strong economic ties to Libya and there is a significant Libyan presence in country. Historically, Malta has served as a transit point for Libyan nationals traveling to Europe. The majority of Libyan citizens residing in Malta are involved in legitimate businesses and their presence and routine activities do not pose any threat to American citizens. Malta has a small Muslim population (fewer than 5,000 individuals) that hail mostly from Libya. Malta’s Islamic population can be characterized as moderate and tolerant; however, there may be a portion that is quietly sympathetic to extremist views.

Despite Malta’s geographic proximity to Italy, organized crime is almost nonexistent. That said, in the past few years, Russian-affiliated criminal syndicates have established a small presence in Malta. According to police, these groups are assisted by Maltese nationals and are involved in human trafficking for the sex trade and money laundering enterprises.

Illegal narcotics (cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana) are available in Malta. Although these drugs can be found in the areas most widely frequented by tourists, they are more readily available to well-connected local and third country nationals, and less available to transient visitors. Drug sales often occur in the nightclub districts of Paceville and St. Paul’s Bay. Individuals convicted for the distribution of illicit narcotics in Malta can expect substantial fines and harsh jail sentences. In 2007 an Egyptian national was sentenced to 12 years and fined 15,000 Maltese Liri (approximately $48,000) for possession and trafficking 14 kilograms of cannabis resin.

Occasionally, the primary nightclub district of Paceville is the scene of incidents involving serious bar fights. Excessive alcohol consumption, poor crowd control, and heavy-handed tactics employed by bouncers at certain establishments have led to incidents in which foreign visitors have been injured. Some Maltese nationals are xenophobic and quietly express prejudice toward people of color. With an influx of illegal migrants from Africa, this tendency has been exacerbated in the last few years. Dark skinned American tourists and visiting U.S. Navy personnel have been very occasionally caught up in racially motivated incidents and have been injured as a result.

The embassy recommends that club visitors avoid confrontation with bouncers and local youth when trouble erupts, comply with the directives given by security staff, and leave the premises as soon as possible. Then, if necessary, contact a local police officer and seek assistance in resolving the matter. Report all incidents to the embassy as soon as possible.

Malta lacks a comprehensive sewer infrastructure to accommodate storm water runoff. As a result, low lying parts of the island and major vehicle thoroughfares may experience flash floods during heavy rains. Familiarize yourself with these areas and avoid them in rainfall during the winter months (December to April).

The Malta Police Force suffers from limited resources. In most areas, they are under-funded, under-staffed, and poorly-equipped. That said, the majority of officers are sufficiently motivated and perform their duties in a professional manner. The force is reasonably well-trained. However, most officers are unarmed and have no transportation or radio communication.

Only officers assigned to main district police stations are armed and have a mobile unit at their disposal. In 2007, all officers were issued pepper spray and those assigned protective duties at banks and foreign missions were provided radio communications. This has increased the effectiveness of the officers’ response as well as the overall deterrence capabilities of the police. With the exception of several high crime areas, police patrols are infrequent or do not occur unless requested. Response time to emergency calls can be 15 minutes or longer. Attempts to modernize the force and the police are being instituted. Personnel have received additional training and equipment, including new uniforms and vehicles/motorcycles to conduct patrols, but the force is still several hundred officers short of targeted goals. Local wardens assist the police with routine traffic/parking matters and enforcement of local ordinances. This reduces the strain by allowing police to concentrate more of their resources in other areas. The presence of traffic wardens is beneficial in reducing some street level crime. The police are adequate investigators and have relatively modern forensic capabilities. The drug squad has been effective in arresting and prosecuting individuals trafficking in illegal substances. Note: All police stations in Malta are marked with a blue lantern light located directly above the main entrance.

Security procedures at Malta International Airport are good. An Aviation Safety Assessment conducted in 2003 by the FAA gave Malta’s Civil Aviation Department a top rating of category one. In 2006, Malta’s national airline (Air Malta) underwent two security audits and EU security inspectors reviewed the airlines procedures. During the same year, the International Air Transport Association inspected the Malta International Airport security measures and screening precautions. Both inspections met with favorable findings and will be repeated in 2008.

Opened by the Maltese government in July 2007, Mater Dei Hospital is the largest and most modern hospital in Malta. It is located in Birkirkara near the University of Malta. Mater Dei has approximately 825 beds (there are no private rooms). The hospital is equipped with the latest technologies and is capable of treating shock, trauma, and burn victims. It provides emergency medical rescue transportation via ambulance and helicopter. Wards are color-coded for easier identification by visitors. The pharmacy is open to the public 24 hours. The duty medical officer handles emergencies.

Operator: 2545-0000 - Ground Floor - Block C
Customer Care: 2545-4184 - Ground Floor - Block C
Administration: 2545-4160 - Ground Floor - Block C
Reception: 2545-4182 - Ground Floor - Block C
Emergency: 2545-4040 - Ground Floor - Block D5-RED
Burn Unit: 2545-7070 - Ground Floor - Block D3-Yellow

Visitors and those planning to reside in Malta are advised to follow common-sense guidelines to avoid becoming victims of crime in traffic accidents. Visitors are also encouraged to register at the embassy consular section if they intend to reside in Malta for any extended period of time. Phone: (356) 2561-4000

Driving in Malta is on the left hand side of the road. Be particularly careful when using pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings). In theory and by law, pedestrians have the right of way in a marked crossing, but local drivers often do not yield. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when near any road or motor vehicle traffic.

With large areas of undeveloped land between communities, travelers should become familiar with taxi services and/or the inter city bus system. Always carry enough money to pay for a cab ride to your next destination. When using a taxi in Malta, negotiate the fare in advance. Malta, like other EU countries, uses Euro currency.

Be aware of your surroundings and maintain control of your personal items when in public areas. Move away from anyone who you believe is acting suspiciously. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking directions, begging for money, asking for the time, bumping or jostling the individual, or offering to sell items from a makeshift display board. While the victim is distracted, an accomplice may take a piece of luggage or pick the victim’s pocket or purse.

Should visitors experience serious problems while in Malta, they are encouraged to contact the embassy at the phone numbers listed below. The embassy’s Chancery and Consular section are both located on the 3rd floor of "Development House" on St. Anne Street in Floriana, Malta. The embassy and consular section are co-located.

OSAC Country Council

Due to the limited number of American owned or operated business interests in Malta, U.S. Embassy Valletta does not have a formal OSAC Council. However, American franchise constituents are involved in the embassy-sponsored American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). Security-related information is routinely passed on an informal basis through this channel.