Nepal: Crime Increases During Fall Festival Season in Kathmandu

No Comments | October 13th, 2010 | Trackback

The fall festival season is underway with Dashain running through Oct. 22 and Tihar occurring Nov. 5-7. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu reported that this is a time of year when criminal activity spikes, and urges travelers to remain alert for thefts, pickpockets, robberies and bag snatches. Street harassment from intoxicated individuals also increases during the holidays. Authorities have deployed an additional 1,090 police officers in the Kathmandu Valley throughout the holidays to ensure security and have set up checkpoints to screen for weapons and explosives. According to Nepal police, potential high crime areas in the valley are New Road, Thamel, Bhotahiti, Asan, Teku, Sankhamule, Chettrapati, Patan, Gaushala, Maharjgunj, Naya Bus Park, Balaju, Swoyambhu, Kalanki and Koteshwor.