Safety in Prague

Prague is a safe and enjoyable city with very little violent crime. Few words on the helpful precautions to make your trip more pleasant.

Compared to many Western cities, Prague is relatively safe. The rate of violent crime is low and most areas of Prague are safe to walk around even after dark. The main criminal problem is petty pilfering (pickpockets) from cars, hotels, and pockets. If you use common sense and follow your intuition, you should be able to stay out of harm's way.

Pickpockets

Using your common sense will help you to avoid Prague’s only real epidemic: pickpockets. Pickpocketing is one of Prague's most common crimes.
Tips on staying safe in Prague:
Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Cash machines are plentiful in Prague.
Always remember to keep your bag in sight and avoid carrying your passport, wallet and valuables in your back pocket or an open bag.
Be careful on crowded trams and subways, especially in the historical center of Prague.
Don't change money on the street. There are plenty of banks to choose from.
Don't become paranoid. Make sure you are still enjoying yourself on your trip. Although pickpocketing is a problem in Prague, just like it is a problem in many European tourist destinations, it doesn't mean that thieves are waiting for you at every corner.

Belongings in cars

Car break-ins are the leading type of property crime in Prague. The advice here is simple: never leave valuables in your car.
If all the above sounds too intimidating don’t be scared. Be vigilant instead and have fun. Overall, Prague is a safe and enjoyable city with very little violent crime.

The Police and Security Services

In Prague you will come across several kinds of policemen and women and members of various security services. Report any problems to a uniformed state police officer at a police station.
In an emergency, dial 158.
The state police carry guns and can arrest a suspect. They patrol the streets on foot or drive green and white patrol cars.

The municipal police are the other main security force, have greater powers, and are divided into different sections.
Traffic police ensure the smooth running of traffic and regulate parking, speeding and drunk driving. It is illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream – any accident you may have will automatically be considered your fault no matter what the circumstances. If you have an accident, call 158 immediately and do not move the car. If you move the car you will not be able to claim insurance. It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving unless you have a hands free system installed in your car.

Police Stations

If you need to contact the police, call 158 (state police) or 156 (city police) or the Emergency Central Number 112. Below is a list of police stations in the city center:
Old Town
Bartolomějská 14, Prague 1
24-hour phone: 974 851 700
Lesser Town
Vlašská 3, Prague 1
24-hour phone: 974 851 730
New Town
Benediktská 1, Prague 1
24-hour phone: 974 851 710
Krakovská 11, Prague 1
24-hour phone: 974 851 720
Hybernská 2, Prague 1
24-hour phone: 974 851 500
Jungmannovo náměstí 9, Prague 1 (headquarters)
24-hour phone: 974 851 750
Vyšehradská 20, Prague 2
24-hour phone: 974 852 710
Vinohrady
Šafaříkova 12, Prague 2
24-hour phone: 974 852 720

How to recognize a Czech policeman?

Czech police officers prove their identity with their uniforms and identification numbers, their police I.D., their Criminal Police Service badges or oral identification: “Police“. At your request, police officers are obliged to produce their service I.D.