Praia - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Praia is rated critical for crime. Expats are regularly targeted on the street. There are also house break-ins. I would not walk around alone after dark. - Feb 2024
There are significant crime concerns; two recent break-ins targeted non-U.S. expats. Street crime is typically a crime of opportunity. There are few handguns in Cabo Verde; knives and homemade weapons are preferred by local robbers. - Aug 2023
No. This is a safe post. - Jan 2023
The security threat is high in country due to crime. We just got 24 hour guards at our residences. I've heard that robberies on the streets are done at knife or gunpoint. They seem to be looking for electronics. I don't wear flashy jewelry, but I've never heard of anyone having jewelry stolen. - Sep 2018
Yes, muggings and break ins are very common in Praia, with expats being prime targets. This is no joke and you need to listen carefully to advice from the RSO. No recorded terrorist attacks, though. - Dec 2017
It depends on what your level of tolerance is and where you are coming from, but overall the data support that crime is slowly increasing. A recent newspaper article stated that crime rose either 13 or 16% in the past year, but most are "crimes of opportunity" as opposed violent crime. We know people who have been robbed in the daylight but it's because the thieves wanted something that looked valuable such as a laptop or purse. All embassy houses have guards now and many other expats have chosen to contract with residential security guards. In general, be aware of your surroundings, and driving around at night and you'll be fine. - Oct 2016
There are a lot of robberies. The criminals are looking for money, ipads and iphones. Most of the people I know who have been robbed were usually robbed late at night. This is a culture that does not start partying until midnight. My family has not been affected but we are not out late at night. Very little murder, rape or violence in the expat community. Just thieves. - May 2014
Petty theft happens but violent crime is rare. It is like living anywhere; you just need to be alert to your surroundings. - Feb 2011
Petty crime, assaults and robberies are on the rise but, again, it's not that bad. Be smart. Don't go out at night alone and lock up at night. - Sep 2012
Yes. This is a very poor country with high unemployment. Crimes of opportunity are frequent. You cannot leave anything unsecured. It's not uncommon for jewelry to be grabbed. - May 2012
Petty theft, like anywhere else in the world if people aren't being careful. - Sep 2009
There are home break-ins and muggings. Many parts of town should be avoided at all times. The main parts of town such as Achada Santo Antonio, Palmarejo, and Plato are okay during daylight but one should be wary even when in a group, at night. Women should be particularly vigilant at all times and should never walk alone at night. - Feb 2008
