Security Overview for Greece

The crime rate in Greece is low and the most common crime is petty theft; violent crime is rare. When walking in Athens beware of pickpockets, purse snatchers, and thieves on motorcycles. Most thieves operate where foreigners congregate, such as the city center and tourist attractions, including the Plaka, and on public transportation. Auto break-ins and hotel room thefts occur often; do not leave cash, jewelry, or other valuables in vehicles or rooms. Avoid commuter bus travel. At night, hire taxis through a hotel rather than from the street.

The dismantled, leftist revolutionary organization 17 November appears to be inactive, the mantle having been taken up by an obscure new group calling itself Revolutionary Sect. That group, which appears to be composed of youthful members with likely criminal pasts, first appeared amid unrest caused by the shooting by police of a young Athenian during a protest in the Exarchia neighborhood. The group has threatened attacks against both authorities and foreigners, but has thus far limited its targeting to locals. It size and capability remains unclear.

Various other groups, including anarchist organizations, are responsible for small-scale (usually early morning) bombings of government offices, embassies, vehicles owned by diplomats, and foreign- and domestic-owned businesses. Anarchist attacks on banks, car dealerships, and police and government buildings are common in Greece, although they rarely injure anyone.

The anarchist group Conspiracy Nuclei of Fire claimed responsibility for a November 2010 series of parcel bombings targeting embassies in Athens and European leaders; nine members of the group are currently on trial in Athens. Greece has cracked down on members of anarchist groups including the Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, but a number of anarchists have managed to stage attacks.

Kidnapping is rare in Greece and foreigners are rarely targeted. The few incidents that do occur are usually related to domestic criminal activity and not terrorism or political leverage.

Violent civil protest is increasingly common amid the current economic climate; anarchists have a history of turning peaceful protests violent. Visitors should avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, especially since anarchists tend to show up at most protests.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.