Panama security, crime, safety tips

Panama Emergency Numbers:

Police 62-6963
Fire 103
Ambulance (Hospital Santo Tomas) 25-1436

Panama Street Crime
There is a moderate but growing level of crime in the Panama City and Col ón areas, and police checkpoints have become commonplace on weekends there. Based upon reported incidents, the high-crime areas around Panama City are Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Vera Cruz Beach, Panama Viejo, and the Madden Dam overlook. Crimes there are typical of those that plague metropolitan areas and range from rape to armed robberies, muggings, purse snatchings, "quick-naps" from ATM banking facilities (in which the victim is briefly kidnapped after withdrawing cash from an ATM and robbed), and petty theft. Panama has seen an increase in the number of crimes in which unlawful weapons were used, as well as an increase in arrests for possession of illegal weapons. There has been a substantial increase in incidents of armed violence in metropolitan areas.

The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of the country from which the passport was issued.

Police and Crime
Airport theft is common, and the traveler should not ride in unauthorized taxis or share one with a stranger. Demonstrations occasionally occur with anti-U.S. sentiment and are typically nonviolent. However, one is advised to avoid such demonstrations. The police are generally helpful. Punishment for crime (especially drug trafficking) is severe.

Safety Tips
Take basic precautions against crime, especially at night. A few elementary precautions should protect the traveler from most problems:
--Do not leave valuables in cars or on tables in cafes.
--Keep nonessential valuables locked in hotel safes when not in use.
--Use credit cards and traveler's checks when possible to avoid carrying large sums of cash.
--Carry photocopies of your passport instead of the original.
--Carry cash in a money belt, and use credit cards or traveler's checks for most of your large transactions.
--Walk with your bag away from the street to avoid having it snatched away by motorcycle thieves.
--Never carry a stranger's baggage.
--Women should avoid traveling alone at night.
--Never exchange money in the street or carry a package for a stranger.

7 General Safety Tips especially for Travellers
--Prearrange transportation for your arrival. In many countries, hagglers and touts will approach you at the airport offering transportation options. If you have none, decline and find the transportation booth in the airport; or, if possible, befriend someone on your flight with whom you might share a cab.
--If you are being dropped off in an unlit area, ask your driver to wait until you are safely inside. Women should avoid traveling alone at night.
--Find out from your hotel staff where it is safe to go alone and what areas merit avoiding.
--If you plan on meeting with a stranger, do it in a busy place outside of your hotel.
--If you encounter someone gesturing or honking for you to stop, do not stop until you have found a busy public place with plenty of lighting before determining the problem.
--If you find yourself on a crowded bus, subway, or train with a male pressing up against you in an obviously sexual way, try embarrassing him by shouting in English. Public shame or humiliation will often keep further advances at bay.
--Try and look for other women to sit near on public transport. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, get out of it.

10 Hotel Safety Tips
--Women should ask for a room on the second floor or higher and near the center of the hallway corridor away from fire exits where would-be assaulters can lurk and escape with more ease.
--Don't feel shy about asking to see your room before deciding to take it.
--Do not let anyone except the front desk clerk see or overhear the number of your room.
--Do not show your room key in public, and keep it under tight security.
--Avoid stairwells, an easy place for assaulters to hide, and don't travel in elevators alone with male strangers about whom your instincts send you a warning bell. If a stranger is wandering the halls when you plan to enter or exit your room, wait until he leaves. If he doesn't, report him to the front desk.
--Do not open the door for anyone who knocks whom you do not expect. Use the peephole. Call the front desk if necessary to verify the presence of any hotel staff wishing to enter.
--When leaving the room, put out the "do not disturb" sign, and leave the TV on if you wish to deter possible thieves.
--Pack a flashlight should the lights suddenly go out.
--Take the business card of your hotel before going out in case you get lost. Do not give out the name of your hotel unless absolutely necessary, and do not share with anyone that you are alone. Use your creativity and make up a story if you must.
--Always lock the door when you are inside the room. A portable extra door-locking device may prove a prudent pre-trip purchase. A rubber door stopper is also an easy item to pack.