Crime And Police In Romania

Find out below what to expect from the crime situation in Romania before you purchase your property.

Romanians are generally non-confrontational and non-violent people but, as in many countries, crime in the poor inner city areas can be a problem, and is sometimes directed at tourists and foreign residents. Pick-pocketing, mugging and robbery schemes are common in major cities, trains, subways and buses. Embassies always recommend that you book the highest class when using public transport.

Be aware of a common scam: criminals posing as plainclothes policemen flash a fake badge and ask for your passport and wallet. In many cases, these thieves succeed in obtaining passports, credit cards and cash from unsuspecting victims. In addition, internet and credit card frauds are very common crimes against foreigners in Romania.

Keep your wits about you and you will avoid many common crimes in Romania:

Dress conservatively
Do not wear expensive looking jewelry
Avoid the appearance of affluence
Travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended
Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them
Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe
When you have to carry them, try to hide them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch
Avoid handbags, bum bags and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves
Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing
Leave nothing visible in a parked car

It is best to avoid crime in Romania as in any other worldwide locations. Anyone violating Romanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled from the country, arrested or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking illegal drugs in Romania entail long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If you commit a driving offense, be aware that the traffic police can confiscate any form of driver’s license or permit you have for up to 3 months, in addition to demanding on-the-spot fines. Romanian traffic law also permits the retention of licenses and the possible imprisonment of all drunk drivers.

For ambulance services, fire brigade, or police dial 112.