Warden Message - Increase in Crime
April 15, 2009
This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens of a recent increase in crime in Accra, including armed robberies and burglaries of residences in the East Legon and Airport Residential neighborhoods. This crime has affected both local citizens and expatriates.
In East Legon, armed criminals appear to be targeting the residences of expatriates. Typically these criminals park their vehicles in the neighbor-hood to observe the movement patterns of an intended victim. The criminals lie in wait for the victim to enter the targeted residence at an opportune time, normally after dark. The criminals then brandish weapons and force their way in. The criminals have stolen computers, electronics, jewelry, cash and other items of value.
The trend in the Airport Residential area involves armed criminals using a motorcycle to rob pedestrians or joggers. Electronics, jewelry and cash appear to be the targeted items.
The U.S. Embassy recommends that all U.S. citizens practice vigilant personal security habits, including the following:
- Vary your schedules and routes to avoid predictability;
- Observe your neighborhood for suspicious vehicles;
- Drive to the nearest police station if you suspect that you are being followed and report it. Do NOT go to the intended residence;
- Instruct your domestic staff to be vigilant about visitors accessing your residence;
- Do NOT resist if an armed criminal confronts you.
If you are the victim of a crime, immediately contact the Ghana Police for assistance. Then notify the U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services Unit.
This information is provided by the American Citizen Services Unit, U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana; Telephone: 021-741-000, 021-741-449/443/071; Fax: 021-741-362/426; E-mail: acsaccra@state.gov; Website: http://ghana.usembassy.gov. For emergency assistance after hours, please contact the U.S. Embassy Duty Officer at 021-741-775.