Warden Information (16 DEC 08)

2008 Holiday Season Crime in Sierra Leone

This Warden Message is being issued to advise U.S. citizens of a heightened possibility of armed robbery, pick-pocketing, automobile break-ins, and home invasions during the holiday season.  Sierra Leone is a developing country recovering from a ten-year civil war that ended in 2002, and the majority of Sierra Leoneans are still grappling with the issues of poverty and lack of public resources that foster criminality.  Business fraud schemes are also rampant and the perpetrators often target foreigners, including Americans.

The Embassy is especially concerned about the security of U.S. citizens in Sierra Leone during the 2008 holiday season, and urges Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert, and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This advice is particularly applicable in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation venues, resorts, and beaches.  Americans who must attend large gatherings are advised to sustain a high degree of personal security awareness.
 
The Embassy also reminds Americans that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid crowds, if possible, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations or street rallies.  Americans should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans living or traveling in Sierra Leone are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, where they can obtain up-to-date information on travel and security within Sierra Leone.  Registration may be done online, and can be done in advance of travel at http://www.travel.state.gov.  Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  Additional Country Specific Information may be found at the Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1016.html.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Leicester Square, Regent; tel. (232) (22) 515 000 or (232) (76) 515 000; fax (232) (22) 515 355.  For after-hours emergencies, please call (232) (76) 515 000.  The Embassy maintains a home page on the Internet at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/.

Please share this message with as many Americans as you can.