NCJ Number
198290
Date Published
May 1998
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This examination of some emerging trends in transnational crime considers particular types of transnational crime and discusses how Americans might enhance their personal security in the face of particular manifestations of such crime.
Abstract
The first paper describes the ways in which the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. State Department is helping combat transnational crime. This is followed by a paper that explains how the U.S. State Department tracks the global crime threat in various countries where the United States has diplomatic posts. In focusing on crime trends in particular countries, papers address organized crime in South Africa, advance-fee fraud in Nigeria, crime in China, truck hijackings and cargo theft in Mexico, and Nordic motorcycle gangs. A series of papers focus on how Americans abroad can enhance their safety. One paper provides tips on how to gain information about types of crimes and risks for Americans traveling or working abroad, with attention to information sources and services provided by the U.S. State Department. Another paper considers how to combat the theft of laptop computers, with attention to locations of and methods used to steal laptop computers in foreign countries. Other papers on personal security measures provide tips on how to avoid being a victim of pickpockets, ways foreign residents can protect themselves against carjackings in Africa, measures for preventing rape, a safety program for American children living overseas, and ways to avoid increasing robbery assaults on U.S. travelers who ride in cabs hailed on the streets in Mexico.