Macedonia 2009 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety Report

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Macedonia is a generally safe country with a low crime rate compared to the United States, and violence against foreigners is rare.  However, theft is the primary crime perpetrated against Americans.  Residential crime has been on the rise in recent years, targeting homes of wealthy residents, foreigners, and diplomats.  The primary safety hazard Americans face while in Macedonia is road accidents.    

Political Violence

Macedonia's political stability has markedly improved since the signing of the Framework Agreement that ended ethnically-based hostilities in 2001. One example of the improvement is the European Union's decision to grant Macedonia EU candidate status in 2005.  There are no specific terrorist threats against Americans.  Strikes and resulting roadblocks by citizens are not uncommon occurrences and should be avoided.

Post-Specific Concerns

Earthquake

Macedonia's location in a major earthquake region suggests the potential for natural disaster.  The last major earthquake, in 1963, resulted in significant property damage and loss of life.  Major flooding outside of the capital city of Skopje occurs regularly, especially in southern Macedonia. 

Driving

Macedonia's rate of motor vehicle-related fatalities is one of the highest in the world.  This is due largely to the excessive speed of drivers, reckless driving habits, lack of seat belt use, and poor emergency medical response capabilities.  Visitors should drive defensively and exercise situational awareness when behind the wheel.

Police Response

The police are responsive to requests for assistance from foreign crime victims.  Crime victims should contact their relevant embassy for assistance.  Foreigners detained by the police should do the same.  The emergency police number is 192, fire emergency is 193, and ambulance is 194.

Medical Emergencies

Many Macedonian doctors are trained to Western standards.  However, medical and hospital facilities and clinics lack equipment and supplies.  While basic supplies are usually available, specialized treatment may not be.  Not all ambulances have life-saving or sustaining equipment and most can only transport a patient to an emergency room. 

Austrian Air Ambulance (43-1-40-44) and Tyrolean Air Ambulance (43-512-22-4-22), both based in Austria, can assist in a medical evacuation.  The City Hospital, located at 11 Oktomvri Street in Skopje, can be contacted at 389 (0)2 313-0311.  The Clinical Center is located on Vodnjanska Boulevard in Skopje and can be contacted at 289 (0)2 314-7147.  Remedika, a new private clinic that largely follows Western standards, is located at 16th Makedonska Brigada 18 in Skopje and can be reached at 389 (0)2 260-3100.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The most common crime is pick-pocketing and other crimes of opportunity, particularly in urban areas.  Groups of street children will, on occasion, surround a tourist to beg for money while simultaneously relieving the individual of his or her wallet or other valuables.  However, Americans are rarely the victims of violent crime. 

Organized crime groups occasionally engage in turf battles or revenge-type actions in bars and other public venues, which has resulted in some injuries to innocent bystanders. 

Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Macedonia.  Credit cards can be used with relative security in larger Western-style establishments, such as hotels.  They are not, however, recommended for use at smaller restaurants and shops.

Valuables should not be left unattended in hotel rooms or any other location.

Doors and windows to hotel rooms and lodgings should be firmly secured when not in use. 

ATMs are generally safe to use in urban centers. 

There are many private security services and guard companies in Macedonia, many of which cater to bars, clubs, and cafes.  There are several larger, well-known guard companies used by foreign embassies and companies to provide quality security guard services.

Embassy Contact Information

The U.S. Embassy Skopje switchboard number is 389 (0)2 311-6180 (press 0 for the operator).  The Regional Security Office, Consular Section, and Commercial Section can be contacted through the switchboard number.  During non-business hours this phone number rings through to Marine Security Guard Post 1.  In case of emergency, American citizens should call the switchboard number and the call will be routed to the appropriate office or duty officer. 

At present, Macedonia does not have an OSAC Country Council.  The local American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) can be contacted at 389 (0)2 321-6714.