Post

re: Albania and Street Crime (Tom Hashimoto, Albania/Slovenia/Japan) (John Eipper, USA, 11/16/09 2:02 pm)

On 15 November, JE asked a contrary question: has there ever been a nation where a transition to democracy has actually coincided with a lessening of petty crime (muggings, vandalism, thefts, removing tags from couches, etc.)?

Tom Hashimoto responds:

I can think of Albania. Although I do not have actual data, criminals (big or small) in Albania represented in the movie "Taken" seem to stay in neighboring countries like Greece and Italy, while Albanians who live in Albania are very nice. I feel as safe in Tirana as in Tokyo with the exception of crossing busy streets. Young ladies walk after midnight in Tirana, and they are safe unless attacked by street dogs.

JE comments: Very interesting. Was it different (more dangerous) in Tirana during the Hoxha era?
Stay well, Tom! We miss you.

Visits: 2