Safety Advisory for the Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics (Opening Ceremony: Friday, July 26) will have events taking place from Wednesday, July 24, in various cities across France. In the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Marseille, men’s and women’s football matches will be held in the stadiums of Marseille and Nice, and sailing competitions will take place at the Marseille Marina.
Large crowds are expected during the events. Locations and facilities where many people gather can become targets for terrorism and crime, so caution is necessary. Please refer to the following safety measures and examples of crime cases. While staying in the area, be vigilant of your surroundings and belongings. If you detect suspicious persons or situations, leave the area immediately.
1. Safety Measures in Crowded Areas
Generally, accidents such as stampedes can occur in crowded places, and there tends to be an increase in crimes such as pickpocketing and snatching. Please exercise caution.
•To prevent theft, carry your belongings (e.g., backpacks, handbags) in front of you.
•Recognize that places where many people gather can be targets for terrorism. Pay close attention to your surroundings and try to minimize your stay. Leave the area immediately if you sense any suspicious persons or situations.
•In case you hear explosions or gunshots, immediately lie down, protect your head, hide behind sturdy objects, and leave the scene swiftly in a low posture.
•Even if others around you panic, strive to remain calm to avoid secondary injuries.
2. General Crime Prevention
In the southern French region, particularly in the Côte d’Azur area including Nice, there are numerous reports of pickpocketing and luggage theft. During your stay, pay close attention to your belongings. If strangers approach or talk to you, avoid interacting and leave the area to prevent becoming a victim of crime.
Reference: Recent Theft Cases Reported by Japanese Nationals
•At the airport, while walking with luggage on a cart, an acquaintance was distracted by a stranger talking to them, and during this time, the luggage on the cart was stolen. (Such incidents are especially common upon arrival at Nice airport.)
•In a crowded tram, someone noticed later that their passport, which was in their bag pocket, was missing. (Such incidents are especially common in Nice.)
•A suitcase placed in a luggage rack out of sight on a train was stolen.
•A bag left on the luggage rack while napping on the train was gone when the person woke up.
•Leaving luggage in a rental car, someone found the car window broken and the luggage stolen.
•At hotel check-out, a bag placed at their feet was taken.
•While dining at a restaurant, a bag placed nearby was stolen.
•Returning to the hotel after going out, items left in the guest room were found missing.
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