R 141206Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4363

UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000017 
 
 
DEPT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/AF FOR CHRIS KOLLMAR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER MP
SUBJECT: PORT LOUIS CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR OSAC 
 
REF: 08 STATE 132056 
 
 
¶1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation 
 
Crime in Mauritius is relatively low.  Violent crimes are generally 
uncommon and when they do happen, oftentimes it involves some type 
of family dispute.  Due to the large tourist industry, petty crime 
is a problem.  There is a potential for pick pocketing and purse 
snatching, especially in crowded areas.  Residential break-ins are 
reported frequently on the island.  Most break-ins are surreptitious 
and do not involve violence, however some burglars have brandished 
weapons, such as knives or machetes.  Although uncommon, there have 
been reports of armed robbery and assault.  It is unwise to walk 
alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels.  All 
individuals should exercise caution on beaches and poorly lit or 
deserted areas at night. 
 
Thefts in tourist areas are a concern, and visitors should keep 
track of their belongings at all times.  Women are advised against 
walking alone, particularly on public beaches and at night. 
Americans should avoid crowds and street demonstrations, and 
maintain a low profile. 
 
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in 
addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest 
U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate 
staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, 
contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be 
transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the 
crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular 
officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice 
process and to find an attorney if needed. 
 
¶2. (U) Traffic Safety and Road Conditions 
 
Driving in Mauritius is on the left side of the road.  The main 
roads are generally paved and well-kept.  Roads can sometimes be 
narrow and uneven with inadequate lighting, which makes night 
driving hazardous.  Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, 
but all road and traffic signs are posted in English.  Drivers and 
all passengers are required to wear seat belts.  Drivers and 
passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets.  Babies and 
toddlers should be placed in child safety seats.  Many accidents 
occur due to excessive speed and violations of road regulations.  In 
addition, there are a lot of individuals riding scooters and it is 
not uncommon for them to dart in and out of traffic so travelers 
should take special precautions when traveling near them. 
 
Drivers involved in an accident are required by law to remain at the 
scene until the police arrive.  However, if an angry crowd gathers 
and those involved in the accident feel threatened, police and 
judicial authorities have in the past not taken action against 
drivers who leave the scene if they have proceeded directly to a 
police station.  In cases of minor accidents involving two parties 
but which involve no injuries and where drivers are not under the 
influence of alcohol/drugs, drivers may fill out and sign an 'Agreed 
Statements of Facts.'  Police presence is not required for this. 
Each party should retain one copy of the statement for presentation 
to respective auto insurance companies. 
 
While there are organizations that provide emergency or roadside 
assistance, their resources and capabilities are limited and on 
occasion they are unable to respond in non-life threatening 
incidents. 
 
Public transportation by bus is available between the main towns 
until 11:00 p.m. and in remote areas until 6 p.m.  Taxis are also 
available. 
 
¶3. (U) Political Violence 
 
Although there are occasional demonstrations by various groups, the 
demonstrations are relatively peaceful in nature.  In addition, 
there are currently no threats facing Americans in regards to 
terrorism, war, or civil unrest.  The government of Mauritius is 
considerably stable. 
 
¶4. (U) Post Specific Concerns 
 
Mauritius is prone to cyclones during the cyclone season which 
extends from November to May but more so during the months of 
January to March due it those months being the hottest.  There are 
some drug concerns, primarily heroin, but it's typically used by the 
locals.  The police have not reported any major instances of tourist 
use. 
 
¶5. (U) Police Response 
 
The police are very good at responding to any incident whether it's 
for crime or a traffic accident.  There are police stationed 
throughout the island with sufficient coverage especially in the 
tourist areas.  In the event of an incident, there will typically be 
a police station nearby.  English is widely spoken here so 
directions can easily be sought.  Also, the police can be contacted 
by simply dialing 999. 
 
¶6. (U) Medical Emergencies 
For any emergency involving an American citizen that occurs outside 
office hours and which cannot wait until the Embassy reopens, please 
call the Embassy Duty Officer directly at (230) 253 3641. 
Medical facilities are available, but more limited than in the 
United States.  Emergency assistance is limited.  While public 
hospitals and clinics provide free care, many visitors may choose to 
be treated by private doctors and hospitals.  Service Aide Medicale 
Urgence (SAMU) is a government organization that provides ambulance 
and emergency assistance in response to calls to 114 (Address: Volcy 
Pougnet Street, Port Louis).  MegaCare is a private organization 
that provides assistance to subscribers only (Address: 99 Draper 
Avenue, Quatre Bornes; phone: 116; 464-6116). 
¶7. (U) Emergency Contacts 
The US Embassy's main contact number (230) 202-4400.  For 
after-hours, the US Embassy duty phone number is (230) 253-3641. 
 
The primary emergency care facility is Clinique Darn (230-601-2300) 
located in the center of the island.  This is the facility to use if 
at all possible.  In the north of the island, there is a private 
clinic called Clinique du Nord, Royal Road, Tombeau Bay 
(230-247-2532).  Souillac Hospital (230-625-5589) is a government 
hospital located in the south of the island, but should be used only 
in dire emergencies until appropriate care can be secured. 
 
¶8. (U) POC for this information is RSO Kevin Helm at Helmk@state.gov 
or 230-202-4470. 
 
CABRERA