As far as safety goes, there's
little cause for concern.
Central Madrid is so populated
- and so busy at just about
every hour of the day and
night - that it never seems to
carry any "big city"
threat. Which is not to say
that
crime is not a
problem, nor that there aren't
sleazy pockets to be avoided.
Madrid has a big drug problem,
all too evident around the
Plaza de España and some of
the streets just north of Gran
Vía. Drugs, it is reckoned,
account for ninety percent of
crimes in Madrid, and if you
are unlucky enough to be
threatened for money, it's
unwise to resist.
In recent years parts of
the barrio of Lavapíes
have also been a focus of
night-time criminal activity
so it is best to stick to the
busier streets here. Be aware
that the main routes through
the Casa de Campo and the
Parque del Oeste have been
appropriated by prostitutes
and their clients and are best
steered clear of at night.
Tourists in Madrid, as
everywhere, are prime targets
for pickpockets, and petty
thieves. The main shopping
areas, parks, the metro and
anywhere with crowds, are
their favourite haunts; burger
bars and the Rastro market
seem especially popular. Be
aware that they often work in
groups, and associates will
try to distract your attention
while your pocket is being
picked. Tourists are also
obvious targets for muggers
and in all areas it is
advisable to keep jewellery,
watches and cameras hidden,
and to stay away from dark,
empty streets at night.
Unless they have rented
expensive garage space,
drivers may well find their
cars broken into and the radio
stolen. The police are
generally fairly sympathetic
and will give you a report
form for insurance claims. In
an emergency, dial 112;
English is usually spoken on
this number.
