Safety in Russia

The reality of the safety situation in Russia is all too often obfuscated by images of a dark underworld, and somebody named “Dmitri”, who carries a baseball bat and crushes skulls like pistachio nuts.
 
Expats should realise that these seedy stereotypes are just that, generalisations that have nearly become myth, and foreigners who take the appropriate precautions are usually privy to a crime-free stay in the Russian Federation. That said, crime rates remain high, and it’s important that those moving to Russia are aware of the potential threats.

Theft and extortion in Russia

Theft, pickpocketing in particular, and extortion are the most common crimes against foreigners in Russia; most of these incidents occur in areas associated with public transport, underground pedestrian crosswalks and popular tourist ventures.

When in these locations, be mindful of your belongings, carry bags with shoulder straps across your body, and place your wallet in your front pocket. Even groups of children can be perpetrators, so be mindful of your possessions in all situations and in the presence of all individuals.

ATM-related robberies are also becoming more problematic, both from a theft standpoint and a fraud standpoint. Be mindful about which ATMs you use, those in reputable banking institutions are obviously best, and choose well-lit locations that don’t leave you isolated.

Car burglaries are also becoming more common, thus expats should make a habit of removing any items of value (CDs, GPS navigation systems and even clothing) from plain view in their automobile.

Keep in mind that the Russians have become fairly creative when it comes to scams. The “turkey drop”, a scam that involves the discovery of a large wad of bills on the ground, and even fairly professional police impersonations have been reported to various embassies. Good practice is to never remove your wallet from your pocket, nor your passport, until you have been asked to do so by someone with proper accreditation.

Police in Russia

That said, even proper accreditation can pose its own unique problems. Crime and law enforcement seem to occupy the same grey area, and even powerful politicians argue that corruption is somewhat of a cultural tradition in Russia. As a result, expats will need to be wary that police officers may be less law abiding than the citizens they’re meant to be regulating; in short, they are not your friends.

If stopped by a police officer or traffic officer, these officials can do so legally without probable cause, and made to feel victimised, note the officer’s name, badge number, patrol number and where and when the situation happened. If you feel you’ve been asked for a bribe, a good way to mediate the situation is to ask to speak to the officer’s superior.

Expats also report that police can be unprofessional and inattentive, even when they are doing their job.

Minority crime in Russia

As of late, crimes against ethnic minorities, black people, Asians and Arabs in particular, are on the rise. Verbal assault and spitting are the most common offenses, though reports of physical assault and extortion are also cited.

This bigoted behaviour can largely be attributed to extremist nationalist groups (Neo-Nazis and Neo-Fascists) who believe that Russia exists explicitly for Russians. Though intimidation tactics and demonstrations occur in the city, expats should realise that these actions are taken by a small percentage of the population.

That said, it’s not uncommon for locals to stare at members of these minorities and even ask to have their picture taken alongside certain individuals (usually black people). Many expats report feeling unwelcome or unwanted, as a result.

Women also should take caution when travelling alone at night. Stick to squares and streets with appropriate lighting and a more formidable public presence.

Driving safety in Russia

Though it’s necessary to master a mountain of mundane information in order to get your Russian driver’s license (candidates must study roughly 800 questions), the only thing you actually need to know about driving in Russia is that “anything goes”.

Expats will encounter a general lawlessness on the roads, and it follows that accidents are frequent and road rage is all too common. Extreme weather exacerbates the situation, causing “black ice” and dangerous conditions.

Foreigners planning to drive in Russia should always drive defensively, should maintain patience in all situations, and should always carry proper documentation.