Lithuania 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Europe - Lithuania
12 Jun 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Lithuania is a relatively safe country. In order to avoid any potential incidents, visitors should maintain the same personal security awareness that they would in any metropolitan U.S. city. Those who take normal security precautions will most likely enjoy a safe stay in Lithuania.

Pick Pocketing and Petty Theft

As with any major city, pick pocketing is a threat in Lithuania and mainly occurs in crowded areas. Hot spots for pick pocketing in Lithuania include areas around malls, airports, tourist areas, train and bus stations and on public transportation, bars, and restaurants. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Vandalism of vehicles can occur almost anywhere in the capital city of Vilnius, but these crimes are mostly concentrated in poorly lit parking areas.

Racially-Motivated Crimes

Incidents of racially motivated attacks against foreigners have occurred within the last 12-months in Vilnius and in Klaipeda. That being said, such crimes are relatively uncommon in Lithuania.

Transportation Infrastructure

Roads in Lithuania are generally in good condition. When driving in Lithuania, visitors should be advised that Lithuanian drivers often fail to take appropriate safety measures. There are also many new drivers on the roads in Lithuania, so visitors should take care when driving and be cautious of drivers who are speeding or driving erratically. Visitors should also take note of the fact that Lithuania leads the E.U. in accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Political Violence

Since its independence in 1991, Lithuania has had virtually no civil unrest. The overall threat of political violence in Lithuania is low. To date, there have been no incidents of terrorism directed towards American interests in Lithuania and incidents of anti-American sentiment are rare. Public protests and demonstrations are also rare, as permits are required for public demonstrations involving more than 15 persons. Organized crime is significant in the Kaunas region, but violence due to organized crime seldom affects the international community. Regional, international, and transnational terrorism generally pose no significant threat in Lithuania due to the level of professionalism and competence of Lithuanian counter-terrorism units and the lack of terrorist operations in the country. A possible future development that could lead to a greater terrorist threat in Lithuania relates to the inclusion of Lithuania into the Schengen zone as of December 21, 2007. Consequently, Lithuania’s inclusion has lead to the elimination of border controls in the Baltic region, which could allow for the easier movement of terrorist cells in the region.

Post-specific Concerns

Lithuania has no post-specific concerns since earthquakes, floods, industrial and transportation catastrophes, kidnappings, and narco-terrorism are not significant threats in Lithuania.

Police Response

Police response to crimes, especially in areas widely frequented by foreigners, is good. It should also be noted that in Lithuania incidents of police harassment and unjust detention are rare, but solicitation of bribes by authorities and highway police continues to be a concern. Drivers stopped by highway police for speeding infractions are reminded that such infractions are subject to official adjudication, with final payment (if necessary) to be made through the bank. Under no circumstances should money be paid directly to the police officer.

If a visitor experiences trouble or becomes a victim of a crime while in Lithuania, the number to call for police assistance is 112. U.S citizens in Lithuania should also take note of the fact that most Lithuanian authorities only speak Lithuanian and, on occasion, Russian. If you need to report a crime and are unable to communicate with authorities because of the language barrier, the U.S Embassy can assist by translating your concerns. The embassy local guard force operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all guards speak English. The 24-hour number of the embassy is (370) (5) 266-5666. If you experience a fire emergency in Lithuania, the number to contact the fire department is also 112.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical or any other emergency, you can dial 112 for an ambulance. There are also private ambulance services that are highly qualified and offer quick response. A private ambulance can be contacted at 237-5757. Most medical services are usually available in larger cities including Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Kaunas, but the quality of these services may not be up to Western standards. U.S citizens should take note of the fact that in all other towns and villages throughout Lithuania, medical aid is of a much lower level or may not available at all. One good source for medical assistance for visitors is the Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius. The Clinic can be reached at + 370 5 234 2020 or + 370 698 52655 and is located at Nemencine road 54a, LT-10103 Vilnius, Lithuania. U.S citizens should consider purchasing travelers health insurance prior to visiting Lithuania to cover any health related expenses. This is important because without insurance you will have to pay for all services in cash. Visitors unable to demonstrate proof of medical insurance must purchase short-term insurance at the border from a Lithuanian provider for roughly $1.00 per day before entering the country. When this insurance is purchased, the number of days will be calculated from the day of entry until the date on the return ticket.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The crime rate in Lithuania is low. Pick-pocketing and theft continue to be the most common problems encountered by foreigners. In order to avoid these forms of petty theft, personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Visitors are also advised not to leave valuables in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been an increasing number of reports of car windows being smashed and items being stolen from vehicles. When visiting Lithuania one should take normal precautions such as avoiding unlit alleyways and parks during late hours. Visitors should also avoid ATM’s late in the evening and should only carry the amount of cash necessary for the day’s purchases. When driving, you should park in garages or other well-lit areas and car alarms are recommended; even though car-jackings are rare in Lithuania.

For Further Information

The U.S. Embassy is located at Akmenu Gatve 6, tel. (370) (5) 266-5500 or 266-5600; fax (370) (5) 266-5590. The Regional Security Office number is (370) (5) 266-5621 and the embassy medical unit can be reached at (370) (5) 266-5549. Consular information can also be found on the Embassy Vilnius web site at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/.

Americans living in or visiting Lithuania are encouraged to register with the Consular Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Lithuania and obtain updated information on travel and security in the Lithuania by visiting the U.S Embassy website at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/ .

For further security and travel information on Lithuania visit:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_952.html

OSAC Country Council Information

Lithuania currently does not have an OSAC Country Council. For information on how to start an OSAC Country Council in Lithuania, contact the Overseas Security Advisory Council in Washington D.C at 571-345-2223 or visit https://www.osac.gov/ .