Car hire in Netherlands - Crime

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Crime

CRIME: While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are targeted, usually in conjunction with robbery attempts. Local press recently reported that almost one out of every 10 tourists visiting Amsterdam is the victim of a crime. Visitors to larger cities frequently fall prey to pickpockets, bag snatchers and other petty thieves. Never leave baggage or other valuables unattended.

While thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam receives frequent reports of thefts from specific areas. Within Amsterdam, thieves are very active in and around train and tram stations, the city center and public transport. More specifically, the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station is considered to be high risk. Thieves often work here in pairs; one distracts the victim, often by asking for directions, while the accomplice moves in on the victim's momentarily unguarded handbag, backpack, laptop or briefcase. The timing of these thefts usually coincides with train stops, enabling the thieves to escape.

Advance Fee Fraud: Confidence artists have victimized a number of Americans. Typically, a U.S. citizen is contacted in the United States by email and advised of an inheritance, being a lottery winner, or other offer, often originating in Africa, requiring his/her assistance and cooperation to conclude. The American is asked to forward advance payments for alleged ``official expenses'' and to come to Amsterdam to conclude the operation. Several Americans have lost tens of thousands of dollars in such scams. For additional information, please contact the nearest office of the U.S. Secret Service or visit that agency's web site at www.secretservice.gov/alert419.shtml. Additional information also is provided in the Department of State's pamphlet, Advance Fee Business Scams, on the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/scams.html. Travelers may also contact the Fraud Unit, Amsterdam Police, Police Headquarters, PB 2287, 1000 CG Amsterdam, Netherlands, tel. (31) (20) 559-2380, fax (31) (20) 559-5755.