Is Zagreb Too Violent?

[ambrose]

Hi all, we were looking at buying a second property in the capital, but after looking into the increasing crime rate mainly robberies and shootings, we are having second thoughts or are we relying too much on press reports?

[gmh]

I've lived in Zagreb for almost 2 years now and I can honestly say it's not very violent. It does have the occasional shooting and robbery, but on the whole violent crime is far lower than most cities I've experienced of this size.
Most of the shootings are organized crime related, so as long as you're not tied up with that lot, you're pretty safe from harm.
I've never heard of anyone being mugged here, and have yet to witness a drunken brawl on the streets at night.
Where are you used to living?

[mambo]

Zagreb ?

I have travelled all over the world and I must say that Zagreb to me is one of the safest cities I know.
I never have the idea that I have to be careful or expect sudden agression. You can walk alone on the streets at night, it is no problem to use the public transportation system.
In fact, I am very impressed by the way the Croatians behave, very disciplined, still respectful of the police.

Yes there is petty crime, yes there is organized crime, but like Gav says, if you are not connected to crime you won't even notice it.

And that is a big difference from cities like Amsterdam, Antwerp, London you name it. And if you want to see real crime on the streets you may want to think about going to Curacao. Whenever I would go to a far off beach I always had to carry a gun with me, plan escape routes and leave all valuable items at home. Houses have iron bars on the windows, not to keep somebody inside, but to keep the criminals outside.
So coming to Croatia for me is like arriving in heaven (I now live in Istria)!

[Ribaric]

that is a big difference from cities like Amsterdam, Antwerp, London

One of the reasons I came here.

[rijekafan]

I got chased by foreigner hating s.eads last time I was in Zagreb. The city has been ruined by a huge influx of hillbillies. Zagreb is a lovely city but is getting more dangerous by the day.