Post by madamtrashheap on May 1, 2006 1:42:21 GMT -5
Hey all - as we know, forearmed is forewarned so I thought it might be an idea to post some information about the French Riviera, Nice in particular, to keep in mind when you travel there.
Over the last year there have been many incidences (at least 3-4 a week) of people having their drink spiked in bars, particularly tourist bars (around the Old Town), and then being robbed as they leave the bar, especially if they are alone. This has actually been going on for a few years, but has become particularly prevalent in the last 12 months. The robberies occur mainly once the person passes out when they've left the bar, but in a few cases muggings occur too. The targets seem to be men more than women (women travellers are a smart bunch now!) however I have seen cases where a woman suddenly becomes very drunk in a short space of time without having consumed very much, so they aren't exempt altogether. I guess the advice is to not leave a bar alone if you can help it (although that doesn't read well does it?!!
), don't put your drink down and watch when it is served, if you suddenly feel "drunk" be aware of your surroundings and catch a cab to your accommodation if necessary.
I know they seem like common-sense suggestions, but I despair every time I hear of another tourist being robbed after a night out. I don't want to alarm people, but it's reaching scary proportions in Nice and some of the bars just think that the "dumb tourists" are drunk so aren't really interested in helping. I guess if people are aware of the situation they can look out for themselves a little better.
And on another note: about 4 years ago the mayor launched a personal safety campaign over the Summer and there were posters all over town with a picture of a dead body on the beach and four police officers standing over it. The caption read: if you see anything suspicious, notify the police. It hasn't been around again for a while and I don't know how effective it was as two weeks after it started a woman's body was found naked on the beach. Again, it is common sense, but that beach is the worse place to be at night, more-so than some bars.
Some information that I hope helps you prepare for your trips. Don't avoid the area as it is quite pretty and worth exploring, just be aware and it'll be all good!
Mdm TH ;D
Over the last year there have been many incidences (at least 3-4 a week) of people having their drink spiked in bars, particularly tourist bars (around the Old Town), and then being robbed as they leave the bar, especially if they are alone. This has actually been going on for a few years, but has become particularly prevalent in the last 12 months. The robberies occur mainly once the person passes out when they've left the bar, but in a few cases muggings occur too. The targets seem to be men more than women (women travellers are a smart bunch now!) however I have seen cases where a woman suddenly becomes very drunk in a short space of time without having consumed very much, so they aren't exempt altogether. I guess the advice is to not leave a bar alone if you can help it (although that doesn't read well does it?!!
), don't put your drink down and watch when it is served, if you suddenly feel "drunk" be aware of your surroundings and catch a cab to your accommodation if necessary.I know they seem like common-sense suggestions, but I despair every time I hear of another tourist being robbed after a night out. I don't want to alarm people, but it's reaching scary proportions in Nice and some of the bars just think that the "dumb tourists" are drunk so aren't really interested in helping. I guess if people are aware of the situation they can look out for themselves a little better.
And on another note: about 4 years ago the mayor launched a personal safety campaign over the Summer and there were posters all over town with a picture of a dead body on the beach and four police officers standing over it. The caption read: if you see anything suspicious, notify the police. It hasn't been around again for a while and I don't know how effective it was as two weeks after it started a woman's body was found naked on the beach. Again, it is common sense, but that beach is the worse place to be at night, more-so than some bars.
Some information that I hope helps you prepare for your trips. Don't avoid the area as it is quite pretty and worth exploring, just be aware and it'll be all good!
Mdm TH ;D
