Page 218 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

216  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health

Krakow is one of the safest cities in Poland. Although the
number of reported crimes is generally on the increase,
Krakow is a quiet place and visitors can feel safe in most
parts of the city. The same safety rules apply here as every-
where, so beware of pickpockets, do not leave any property
visible in a car and use guarded car parks. The local police
take a tough line on rowdy, alcohol-influenced behaviour
on the streets. Anyone suffering a minor health problem
should seek advice at a pharmacy, while hotels can usually
arrange a doctor’s visit.
Police
illegally parked vehicles. Private
In Krakow the police are assisted security agencies are generally Police officers patrolling Krakow’s
by other services, including responsible for security in large Market Square
town wardens and private shops and public buildings,
security guards. Serious crime as well as at public events. Anyone found driving under
should be reported to a They are usually uniformed the influence of alcohol will
uniformed officer at a police and should always carry be arrested and must appear
station. Major police stations are identification badges. in court the following day. Be
indicated on the Street Finder aware that cyclists riding a
maps (see pp234–9). Police are bicycle under the influence of
often visible, especially on What to Be Aware Of alcohol will receive the same
weekend nights when people Krakow is a popular venue for treatment as car drivers. The
showing signs of bad behaviour weekend party tourism. Late- level of alcohol in the blood
under the influence of alcohol night noisy behaviour is a for both car drivers and cyclists
will usually be apprehended. frequent annoyance, but outright is so low that it is advisable to
Blue and silver police cars are public disorder is very rare. Local not drink and drive at all. In the
used for patrolling the streets. police are taking an increasingly event of a serious road accident
Town wardens are unarmed and hard line on drunkenness, and you are required by law to call
have no power of arrest. They anyone creating a disturbance an ambulance, the fire brigade
tend to perform traffic wardens’ late at night is likely to be and also the traffic police – see
duties by fining owners of apprehended and fined. Directory opposite.
Ulica Szewska Petty thieves and pick-
in the Old pockets are active in crowded
Quarter is at the bars, on public transport and
centre of the at busy markets. Keep a close
weekend party eye on your bag or rucksack,
scene. Most of and carry it securely fastened
the bars and across your body. Passports,
clubs here are wallets and other valuable
legitimate, items should never be carried
Ambulance although one or in a back pocket or in the
two establish- external pockets of a rucksack.
ments on this Pickpockets frequently operate
strip are in gangs, and a sudden push
notorious for or other distraction caused
overcharging by them will hardly ever
tourists. Male be accidental.
visitors travelling Valuables should never be left
solo or in small unattended in a car. Car break-
Police car groups should be ins are a big problem in Krakow.
particularly aware If you can remove the radio and
of over-friendly take it with you, you may save
young females your windows from being
suggesting a smashed. A car alarm offers no
drink in a nearby protection against professional
bar; a hugely thieves, so guarded parking
inflated bill will may be a good option. A
probably be number of guarded car parks
Fire engine the result. are available in the centre.