2018 Crime & Safety Report

According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Luxembourg has been assessed as Level 1. Exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Embassy Luxembourg does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Luxembourg-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

Luxembourg is a safe, modernized country with infrastructure, services, and amenities similar to those found in the U.S. The general crime rate is well below the U.S. national average. Most crimes against U.S. citizens are petty street crimes and crimes of opportunity. Pickpocketing occurs with some regularity, often at popular tourist sites and near the train station, where victims are likely to be carrying cash for shopping and are usually distracted. There have been incidents where individuals left their bags on an adjacent seat on the train, fell asleep, and woke to find their bag or its contents gone.

Crime statistics for 2017 have not been released by the government; however, comparisons between the 2016 statistics and the 2015 figures indicate a 4.5% decrease in recorded offenses with the . This is the lowest level of the last four years, and the crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants has decreased by approximately 6.7% compared to 2015. Offenses against property account for the majority of recorded offenses. Burglaries, which includes attempted burglary, decreased by 11.2% from 2015, and more than a third of all burglaries in 2016 were attempts. The highest number of reported burglaries occurred during the summer months or over school holidays when residents are likely to be on vacation. In the vast majority of these cases, burglaries occurred when the home was unoccupied; home invasions or burglaries when the residence is occupied are rare.

Violent crime is rare but does exist. In 2016, eight armed robberies occurred in Luxembourg: two at gas stations and six against other businesses and establishments. There were five homicides reported in 2016, none of which affected the U.S. citizen community. There were no reports of U.S. individuals being subjected to aggravated robberies (robberies involving a weapon). The number of crimes against persons, which includes homicides, assaults, domestic violence, and complaints of rape and indecent assault decreased slightly from 2015 (-1.17%).

1 Cybersecurity Issues

While service providers are modern and efficient, they are susceptible to hacking and unauthorized intrusions. Spear phishing attacks are common; however, they are generally easy to recognize and can be avoided by simply deleting the email.

Other Areas of Concern

There are no areas of Luxembourg that are considered restricted for U.S. government personnel. The neighborhood surrounding the main train station, referred to locally as the “Quartier Gare,” does have a slightly higher crime rate than the rest of the city. While the train station itself is considered safe, travelling the side streets that intersect the area, particularly at night, can expose individuals to a greater risk of becoming victim of crime. Most of the adult entertainment clubs are found in this area, and open prostitution and narcotics trafficking occurs on a small scale. While police maintain a continuous presence and work diligently to enforce the law, when contrasted with the level of safety found in the rest of the city, the Quartier Gare is an area of concern. Avoid travelling alone on small side streets after dark, particularly in the Quartier Gare neighborhood.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Main roads and highways are well illuminated and well maintained, comparable to those found in the U.S. and present no inherent dangers for motorists. Many towns and villages are connected by smaller, older, and more challenging roads, which are often winding and not illuminated. Drivers should use caution travelling outside of major thoroughfares. Drivers should also be aware of the following important rules when operating a motor vehicle in the Grand Duchy: cell phone use while driving is not allowed without a hands-free system, all occupants must wear seat belts, pedestrians have priority when crossing the road, and reflective clothing must be kept in the vehicle and worn in the event of an emergency stop or breakdown. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”

Drivers should also carry a blank accident report in their vehicle, available through all local insurance companies. This report is necessary for any accident not involving injury; typically, police do not respond to these types of accidents, and it is the driver’s responsibility to exchange information and file the report with their insurance companies. In the event of injury, police should be notified immediately via the 112 or 113 emergency phone numbers.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a concern. Police report that a majority of accidents can be attributed to an impaired driver. Similar to Belgium, France, and Germany, the legal blood alcohol limit in Luxembourg is .05. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and drivers face substantial fines if caught.

Public Transportation Conditions

Luxembourg has an excellent record regarding public transportation. Virtually every part of the country is accessible by bus or train; both are safe and reliable. Within the city, it is not

2 uncommon to see young children riding public buses unaccompanied by adults, as have a high level of confidence in their public transportation.

Taxi service can be found in the metropolitan areas and is considered safe and appropriately regulated by the government.

In December 2017, the first of three phases of the Luxembourg tramway system was complete, and the tram operates in the Kirchberg district along Avenue J.F. Kennedy. The second phase is scheduled to be completed between 2019 and 2020 providing tram service that continues across the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge to Place de l’Étoile in the Limpertsberg district, terminating in the Bonnevoie area. The third and final stage will be completed in 2021 that will extend the tramline to the and the neighborhood of Cloche d’Or.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Although small, the airport is well equipped to handle the volume of passenger (over 3 million in 2016) and cargo (822,000 tons) traffic it receives annually. Airport security procedures are similar to those found throughout Western Europe and meet all U.S. aviation standards. Passengers and cargo are screened using modern equipment by a cadre of trained aviation security professionals. Airport security is maintained by both uniformed police officers and private contract security personnel.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

While there are no known indigenous terrorist organizations operating in Luxembourg, the country shares regional concerns with its neighbors: France, Belgium, and Germany. All three of these countries experienced terrorist attacks and major terrorism-related arrests in recent years, with several arrests occurring only miles from the Luxembourg border. Additionally, a few citizens have travelled to Syria and Iraq in support of ISIS. While support for ISIS and other violent ideological groups remains extremely isolated, especially when contrasted with its neighbors, it does exist. There are no known international or transnational terrorist threats against U.S. interests in Luxembourg.

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

There is a growing sense of discontent with American foreign policy among the younger generations of Luxembourgers; however, this has yet to manifest itself in the form of protests or demonstrations. Third country nationals have protested near the U.S. Embassy on a variety of topics over the last few years, but all have been peaceful and non-confrontational. Most recently, in October 2017, a group of Kurdish individuals organized in front of the Embassy holding banners about the war in Kurdish areas.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

3 Civil Unrest

Protests tend to be small, well-organized, non-violent, and are generally sanctioned in advance by local authorities. Civil unrest, to include labor strikes, is extremely rare. The government is highly permissive in allowing freedom of assembly, and groups wishing to hold protests or rallies need only apply for a permit to do so. These gatherings are virtually free of violence, proceed according to pre-arranged plans, and are generally without incident. Most activities are in response to issues concerning the European Union; actions directed against the U.S. are rare.

Post-specific Concerns

Critical Infrastructure

The Cattenom nuclear power plant is located approximately 45 minutes from the capital city, in France. While there has never been a hazardous incident at the plant, should one occur it would likely affect Luxembourg significantly.

Privacy Concerns

Both as a matter of governmental policy and cultural belief, Luxembourg is extremely protective of individual rights to privacy. Numerous laws are in place to protect these rights, which are considered inviolable and are among the strongest in the EU. Some laws that expand police authority are under consideration in response to regional terrorism concerns; however, any changes would require extensive public and governmental debate prior to institution.

Drug-related Crimes

The 2016 statistics indicate a roughly 14% decrease in drug-related crimes compared to 2015. Next to burglaries, the fight against drugs constitutes the second major priority of the . Few of these crimes involved violence, the majority being related solely to the sale and possession of illegal narcotics. Most drug-related activity occurs near the main train station, where street level transactions are common. Local police in this area focus primarily on stopping traffickers and decreasing consumers.

Police Response

The Grand Ducal Police employs a well-trained and well-equipped modern police force, which places a great emphasis on customer service. Police are highly professional and can be relied upon for assistance. Many speak English, and the general emergency number, 112, will always have an English-speaking operator available.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

U.S. citizens who are detained by during business hours should request immediate notification to the U.S. Embassy Consular Section at (+352) 46 01 23 00.

U.S. citizens who have an emergency and need to contact the U.S. Embassy outside of normal working hours should call the afterhours Duty Officer at (+352) 621 547 133 or (+352) 46 01 23 23.

4 Crime Victim Assistance

To contact police directly, dial 113. The general emergency number is 112, which includes police, fire, and ambulance services. For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

The Grand Ducal Police is the primary in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and falls under the authority of the Ministry of Interior. Although they are organized very similarly to local law enforcement in the U.S., with local police responsible for the day-to- day enforcement of criminal law, traffic regulations, incident response, and crime prevention, the Grand Ducal Police is also responsible for internal security, and airport and border security. Additionally, there are specialized units responsible for investigations and crisis response.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is comparable to that found in the U.S. Professionally trained health care providers work in modern and well-equipped facilities. There are four general hospitals in ; emergency rooms operate on a 24-hour rotational basis. The on-call emergency room or ambulance service is obtained by dialing 112.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) 175a rue de Cessange, L-1321 LAR alert center: 27 36 53 65 air-rescue.lu

Insurance Guidance

The Embassy recommends travellers consider obtaining regular travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance to cover all types of incidents.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Luxembourg.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no active Country Council in Luxembourg. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

5 U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

United States Embassy Luxembourg 22 Blvd. Emmanuel Servais L-2535 Luxembourg

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 0830-1730

Embassy Contact Numbers

Main switchboard: (+352) 46 01 23 00 Embassy Duty Officer: (+352) 621 547 133 Embassy Marine Security Guard Post One: (+352) 46 01 23 23 Website: https://lu.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to [country] should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Luxembourg Country Information Sheet

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