How Safe Are the Polish Cities?

The official unemoloyment rate in Poland is 16,5% - and the unofficial number is 11%.

Maybe in the Warsaw region. The official unemployment rate in Poland is 18%. If you count people who work outside Poland, the real rate would be about 25%.

I don't see why you are fighting over statistics. It has little to do with street safety.

The quoted article must be old - it's been 17 years of democracy now, mafia has been handled (at least the 'civilian' divisions, I don't know about industrial/political influence). The police has increased in numbers, a new generation of officers has been recruited. If there are no wardens walking or driving around, they are likely to come quicly once alarmed by phone. There are some general rules to follow though.

My opinion? Stick to the west half of the country, preferably cities. Stick to the city centres where there are some foreigners, excluding railway stations, where homeless go. Stay away from outskirts and concrete jungle as well as places known for hostility towards foreigners (e.g. notorious Nowa Huta or Lodz). Say hello to your neighbours so that you're seen as one of them, not the 'stranger'.

About wrong times and wrong places? Avoid anyone who may have been drinking (in all humans alcohol increases agression, nevermind the nationality). Careful at weekend nights and stay away from football fans (no hair, scarves, singing loud) and army recruits (no hair, triangular painted 'coats', singing loud). Avoid those who spend their time hanging around doorways, parks ect. Move around quickly and proud, sneaking through places only makes you look like a potential victim. If in doubt, run towards people - with witnesses you are less likely to get mugged.

About thefts? Just be reasonable - don't show off with your mobile, don't carry too much cash or documents with you, watch pockets in lose clothing (e.g. jacket) and back trouser pockets. I have lived in Poland for years and haven't been mugged or robbed once.

Play it safe.

It is also wise not to carry chains of gold or golden ear-rings, since it is not uncommon that perpetrators will snatch it off your neck or even worse, your ears. Even mobile phones are attractive and many a youth have had to hand them over for free to the people they do not even know.

Stealing and robbing is one thing, but being beaten up for no reason whatsoever, which is quite common, is another. Many young men that have nothing better to do, hang in parks and streets outside their own homes waiting for a suitable delinquent to come along. It seems they feel that beating up someone offers much more entertainment value than watching Schwartzenegger (you know - Arnold) do it on the screen. You can play a sociologist and try to deduct the reason behind this kind of meaningless aggression, the fact remains for many youngsters beating up someone is the best way of spending an evening.

Whether the Polish cities are safe is a complicated question; during the day and in the middle of the town, there is probably not much danger, but in the dark and especially in the suburbs, stranger beware. Unless you are a karate-kid on an exploratory trip into the danger zone, you'd be better off staying back in your hotel room.

Steven

Poland was almost in a state of anarchy.

No wonder, many choose "easy money," a Robin Hood mentality. After all, there are many people that make good money in the system, and it is no more than fair that they share with others what they have, they reason. Thus, break-ins and robberies are common. Young unemployed gentlemen wait in the street corners more than happy to free aged ladies from their handbags.

This abrupt change - not only in Poland, but also in other new "democracies," Russia being the scariest example - let until now dormant powers

This abrupt change - not only in Poland, but also in other new "democracies," Russia being the scariest example - let until now dormant powers to surface. All of a sudden and almost immediately Poland had an organized mafia, scores of bandits and robbers roaming the streets, hoods attacked innocent people on streets and in their homes. What was even scarier, many of the former policemen and secret agents, without any offers of new employment, went over to the other side. Poland was almost in a state of anarchy

is also wise not to carry chains of gold or golden ear-rings, since it is not uncommon that perpetrators will snatch it off your neck or even worse, your ears. Even mobile phones are attractive and many a youth have had to hand them over for free to the people they do not even know.

I say - the more people, the better chance you get mugged. There are millions of people from different cultures in London so no wonder you can get "stressful situations". In Poland many young, rebellious people are working abroad so it's natural it's safer in Poland.

Well i think that Poland is alot safer than the UK. My polish girl friend has been mugged three times in London and had her flat broken into whilst she was there. She woke up to see a man on top of her friend witha knife to her throat!!!!!!!!!!!
I was away (ironically in prison) at the time and was not around to protect her. I'm serious the UK is much more dangerous than Poland. We have alot more ethnic gangs in London and the UK, who whilst they tend to kill their own, they still occassionally hit civilians. Also I think many people wanted for crimes in Eastern europe have come to the UK to hide.

It is ridiculous to compare the worst parts of London with the whole of the UK.Yes,some areas of London are terrible but others are relatively safe.Do not confuse London with other parts of the UK-there is a big difference.
In every country including Poland there are areas to avoid/avoid living in and other areas that have no problems.

Also I think many people wanted for crimes in Eastern europe have come to the UK to hide.

have come to the UK to hide

I think it would be easier for a criminal to hide in one of the Central or Eastern European countries than in the UK...

You're joking aren't your? it's a prerequisite to have a criminal record or to have committed some war crimes to get in to the UK these days!!!