Compared to many Western cities, Prague is relatively safe. You will generally find policemen very helpful. Prague is an unthreatening city to walk around. Violent crimes in the city centre are rare. The main criminal problem is petty pilfering (pickpockets) from cars, hotels, and pockets. As with any city, always use caution and care when travelling around.

Using your common sense will help you to avoid Prague`s only real epidemic: pickpockets. Always remember to keep your bag in sight and avoid carrying your passport, wallet and valuables in your back pocket or an open bag. Thieves tend to operate around the city`s crowded sights, such as the Charles Bridge and on tram lines (mainly numbers 9 and 22). The organised groups use many tactics: one knocking into you while the other steals your belongings, being in your way while entering a tram while the other pushes you in and steals your wallet. Be aware that people who lean over to look at your menu may be more interested in your wallet. In a restaurant: never leave your handbag or coat containing a wallet unguarded on a chair next to you or hanging over the back of your chair. It is unlikely that anything stolen will ever be recovered.

The Police and Security services

In Prague you will come across several kinds of policemen and women and members of various security services. Report any problems to a uniformed state police officer at a police station. To file a police report, go to the Praha 1 police station (Jungmannovo náměstí 9, Nové Město, Praha 1), as this is the police station that can organise an interpreter most rapidly. If the theft occurred in another district, the interpreter will take you to that district`s police station to make a report.

Important phone numbers:

Emergency: 112
Fire: 150
Ambulance: 155
Police: 158
City Police: 156
Road assistance: 1230
Gas emergency: 1239