Warden Message

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam

Warden Message - (Increasing Crime - Home Invasions)

October 28, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of security vigilance in light of a number of armed home invasions against foreign residents in and around Dar es Salaam.

Some of the armed home invasions have involved violence and victims have received serious injuries. U.S. citizens residing in Tanzania should ensure that their homes have a safe haven - a secure area with reinforced barriers into which inhabitants can retreat and remain safe if intruders come into the home. Residents are encouraged to retain a professional security company with 24-hour guards and patrols.

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam reminds U.S. citizens to exercise security practices and encourages citizens to:

- Lock all doors and security grills, especially at night. If you have security guards they should ensure that all doors and gates are secured.
- Ensure windows and fire escape grills are secured.
- Be sure that cell phones and telephones are in place and are functioning.
- Use your alarm system if you have one, and make sure the members of your household know how to activate and deactivate any home security systems.
- Report any faulty security equipment (grills, security lights, walls, anti-climb devices, doors, etc.) to your security service.

In addition to the recent home invasions, the Embassy has also received a number of reports regarding alleged kidnappings and robberies involving taxi drivers. The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to only use taxis or hired drivers from a reputable source such as an established hotel or transportation service. Travelers should also be wary of using the ubiquitous microbuses (dala-dalas), which are frequently overcrowded, poorly maintained, a common site of petty theft, and whose operation is generally unsafe.

If you are the victim of a crime, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Tanzania is: 111

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Tanzania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, to obtain updated information on travel and security within Tanzania. Citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted by telephone at [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4122 and fax at [255] (22) 266-8238. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email at drsacs@state.gov. For after hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call [255] (22) 266-8001.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.