Gabon: Increase in thefts from vehicles in Libreville

Event

The US Embassy in Libreville has issued a warning regarding a new crime trend in the capital city. Criminals are reported to be loitering near busy streets, observing passing cars in order to spot potential slowly moving targets and then approach it and reach in the window or open the door to snatch valuables. Items with a high demand on the black market are most commonly stolen, such as electronics (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) and jewelry. Criminals may specifically target foreigners due to their perceived affluence and on the assumption that they are likely to carry such items.

Furthermore, on a more general note, petty crime rates have a tendency to rise around the Christmas and New Year period.

Context

The crime rate in Gabon has increased considerably over the past ten years, particularly violent crime in Libreville and Port-Gentil, where muggings and burglaries have been on the rise both during the day and at night. Foreigners are often targeted for their presumed affluence.

Advice

Individuals present in Gabon are advised to remain vigilant, to drive with doors locked and windows rolled up when travelling in a vehicle, to place their valuables out of sight, to park in a secured parking lot close to their destination, to only keep small amounts of cash on hand, and to not resist if confronted by a potential mugger.

Additionally, due to high rates of crime in Libreville it is advised to be particularly alert around the train station as well as in the Petit Louis, Mont Bouët, Plaine de Rio, London, Lalala, Oloumi, Nkembo, and Awendje neighborhoods.