Timor-Leste 2009 Crime and Safety Report

Crime & Safety Report

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The overall crime in Dili remains high. However, the overall security situation has stabilized dramatically since the political crisis and civil unrest of 2006. After the February 11th, 2008 coup attempt by the militant leader Reinado, the Government of Timor-Leste declared a State Of Emergency. Since the curfew was lifted in May 2008, there have been no reports of large scale unrest in Dili or anywhere else in the country. However, the U.S. Embassy continues to urge American citizens and their dependents to remain vigilant and use caution when traveling in Timor Leste. The UN Police Mission (UNPOL), which had executive police authority following the 2006 crisis, plans to hand over full police authority to the National Police (PNTL) on a district-by-district basis. Plans for the handover are not final, but this will be a gradual process over the course of many months. During the handover, UNPOL will likely retain some role in maintaining security, although this has yet to be defined. The Australian Armed Forces (International Stabilization Force, ISF) have also helped secure Timor-Leste since the crisis. Its current strength is about 700 personnel. Unexploded ordinance devices dating from the pre-1999 independence struggle continue to be found in the districts. Those traveling should contact the local police to report each incident.

Crime Threats

Westerners are often targeted for home robberies and all possible measures to deter break-ins are recommended. While vehicle thefts are rare, leaving valuables in a locked car may result in the vehicle being broken into, day or night. Rocks are often thrown at vehicles in the early-to-mid evening hours. Personal robberies are becoming more and more frequent, with many women reporting youths taking purses from behind with a getaway motorcycle close by. Incidents of gang-related violence, arson, and vandalism in Dili have declined in recent months. However, gangs and martial arts groups remain pervasive in Timorese society and continue to present a latent threat to public safety.

Road Conditions and Road Hazards

The overall safety and conditions of roads are hazardous in all parts of Timor-Leste. It is advised to have a SUV if possible. Many local drivers, especially motorcyclists, are often reckless and are a menace to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Traveling on local transportation such as mini-buses or taxis is not recommended, especially after dark. In the outlying regions, many roads are often extremely dangerous with unmarked bends in the road and/or upcoming potential hazards. During the rainy season (November - April), roads can be washed away within minutes and not be repaired for months. Roadblocks are common, often with an illegal toll to pass by.

Political violence

There is very little threat of terrorism, but a high threat of political unrest at any given time in all of Timor-Leste.

With the February 11, 2008 attacks against the president and prime minister, localized violence in August 2007 following parliamentary elections and the legacy of the 2006 crisis, the Government of Timor-Leste still relies on the ISF and UNPOL to assist its police and military in maintaining public security.

Terrorist activities by Muslim extremist groups remain a problem in neighboring Indonesia. Timor-Leste's land border with Indonesia is relatively insecure, creating the potential for such groups to mount operations or seek refuge in the country, although there has been no evidence of such developments to date.

While there is organized crime in Timor-Leste, it is on the scale of petty racketeering and shake-downs and presents little to no threat to foreigners.

Post-specific Concerns

Earthquakes and Floods

Timor-Leste is on an active seismic zone which enhances the chances for an earthquake. Flooding is common during the rainy season.

Industrial and Transportation Accidents

Industrial accidents are not a significant issue in Timor-Leste. Transportation accidents occur frequently, with many locally owned vehicles unable to properly maintain normal maintenance. Local roads are not maintained to western standards.

Police Response

The local police (PNTL) are ill-equipped to handle most general and emergency situations without the aid of the UN Police. If you are a victim of a crime, arrested, or need assistance you should call the UN Police emergency number at (670)723-0365. Also, you should immediately contact the U.S. Embassy Consular Officer at (670) 723-1616.

Medical Emergencies

Please contact the UN Police at (670) 723-0365.

Contact Information for Local Hospitals and Clinics

Medical facilities are limited and evacuation may be required in cases of serious illness or accident. Generally, expatriates attend Dili National Hospital for treatment.

Air Ambulance Services

Air ambulance service must be coordinated through the embassy.

Travel Precautions

Travelers should not carry too much cash and always remember that expensive watches, jewelry and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves. Precautions should be used to prevent your luggage from being tampering with or stolen. Always protect your passport by making a photocopy and keeping it separate from where you store your actual passport.

How to Contact the Embassy

Regional Security Officer - 670 723 0948

Embassy Operator, Medical Unit, Consular Affairs - 670 332 4684

OSAC Country Council

There is not an active country council in Timor-Leste.