Health and Safety - Madagascar - page 208

Before launching into a discussion on crime, it's worth reminding readers that by far the
most common cause of death or injury while on holiday is the same as at home: road ac-
cidents. No one seems to worry about this, however, preferring to focus their anxieties on
crime. I have been taken to task by some readers for overemphasising the danger of rob-
bery, and certainly it is true that most visitors to Madagascar return home after a crime-
freetrip.However,thisisoneareawherebeingforewarnedisforearmed:therearepositive
steps that you can take to keep yourself and your possessions safe, so you might as well
know about them, while knowing also that the vast majority of Malagasy are touchingly
honest. Every traveller can think of a time when his innocence could have been exploited
- and wasn't. In my experience, hotel employees are, by and large, trustworthy. So try to
keep a sense of proportion. Like health, safety is often a question of common sense. Keep
your valuables hidden and keep alert in potentially dangerous situations.
Bear in mind that thieves have to learn their profession so theft is common only where
there are plenty of tourists to prey on. In little-visited areas you can relax and enjoy the
genuine friendliness of the people.
BEFORE YOU GO You can enjoy peace of mind by giving some time to making your
luggage and person as hard to rob as possible before you leave home. Also make three
photocopies of all your important documents: passport (information page and visa), airline
ticket (including proof of purchase), travellers' cheques (sales advice slip), credit cards,
emergency phonenumber forstolen credit cards, emergency phonenumber oftravel insur-
ance company and insurance documents. Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home,
one in your main luggage and one in your handbag or hand luggage. A simpler alternative
is to have a web-based email account and send yourself scans of all these documents to ac-
cess if necessary.
Leaveyourvaluable-lookingjewelleryathome.YoudonotneeditinMadagascar.Like-
wise your fancy watch; buy a cheap one. Lock your bag when travelling by plane or taxi-
brousse; combination locks are more secure than small padlocks. Make or buy a lockable
cover for your backpack (some of these double as handy rain covers).
CRIME PREVENTION Violent crime is still relatively rare in Madagascar, and even in
Antananarivo you are probably safer than in a large American city. The response to a po-
tentially violent attack is the same in Madagascar as anywhere: if you are outnumbered or
the thief is armed, it is sensible to hand over what they want.
Youare far more likely toberobbedbysubterfuge. Razor-slashing isverypopular (with
thethieves)andisparticularlyirritatingsinceyourclothesorbagareruined,maybejustfor
the sake of the used tissue that caused the tempting-looking bulge. When visiting crowded
places avoid bringing a bag (even a daypack carried in front of your body is vulnerable, as
is a bum-bag); bring your money and passport or ID in a moneybelt under your clothes, or