Latvia: Advisory on General Crime and Terrorism during the Summer Season

(Key Points)

During the summer tourist season, many tourists visit Latvia, raising concerns about thefts such as pickpocketing and bag snatching targeting these visitors.
Be particularly cautious of pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded tourist spots like the Craft Market in the Forest, the Old Town, and around Riga Station and Central Market.
In recent years, Europe and the US have seen a rise in terrorist attacks targeting locations with large crowds (soft targets) that have less security and surveillance, making constant vigilance essential.
To avoid being caught up in unforeseen incidents such as crime or terrorism, continue gathering information on security and safety measures, and pay extra attention to your surroundings.

(Main Text)

Every year, during the summer tourist season, many tourists from around the world visit Latvia. In particular, the Craft Market in the Forest held at the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum on June 1st and 2nd attracts a large number of tourists, including Japanese, leading to concerns about thefts such as pickpocketing and bag snatching targeting these visitors.
Additionally, in Latvia, there have been numerous cases of pickpocketing and bag snatching around Riga Station and Central Market. According to reports received by the embassy, one group of pickpockets consists of three women who scout for targets, primarily in the underground passage near Riga Station. They reportedly approach people with backpacks from behind and repeatedly touch the bags, and if noticed, they try to cover up their actions by saying things like, “Your zipper was open.”
In areas with high crime rates, such as the Craft Market in the Forest, the Old Town, and around Riga Station and Central Market, ensure that you do not leave your belongings unattended, hold your bag in front of you in crowded places to prevent zippers from being opened, and avoid carrying valuables like wallets in your hand while walking. Be vigilant of suspicious individuals approaching you and take full precautions against crime.
Furthermore, in recent years, Europe and the US have experienced frequent terrorist attacks targeting soft targets, where security and surveillance are weak, and many civilians gather. These attacks are often carried out by lone individuals with low levels of organization, making them difficult to prevent in advance, and there is concern that they will continue. Particularly around tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious sites, where there is less security and many people gather, there is a high risk of becoming a target of terrorism, so constant vigilance is required.
To avoid being caught up in unforeseen incidents such as crime or terrorism, continue gathering information on security and safety measures, and pay extra attention to your surroundings.