Security and The Police
The Republic is one of the safest countries in Europe in which to travel. That said, don't let the friendliness of people as a whole lull you into a general carelessness; like anywhere else visitors are seen as easy targets for petty thieves (particularly in the bigger cities) and women especially should always take note of our advice on choosing accommodation. Theft is very common in Dublin and some areas of the city can be unsafe: it's a good idea to take local advice about safety on the streets from your hostel or B&B. Although the North has opened up a lot in the last few years, there is still a security presence, and you should be careful in certain city areas. Personal security, and crimes against the individual are not a major worry except in certain areas of Dublin. In the Republic, people generally have a healthy indifference to law and red tape, perhaps in part a vestige of pre-Independence days, when any dealings with the police smacked of collusion with the British. The police - known as Garda or Gardai - accordingly have a low profile. In rural areas the low level of crime is such that policing is minimal and, should you need them, you might spend an entire afternoon waiting for the Garda to arrive. If you have any dealings with the Garda at all, the chances are that you'll find them affable enough. In the North the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), which is in the process of being reorganized and may bear a new title, deal with all general civic policing and are the people you should go to if in difficulty. Police stations are heavily fortified and security inside is tight, but whatever their reputation, you'll find that the RUC are helpful in matters of everyday police activity. Security measures have been considerably relaxed during the last few years. Permanent border controls are no longer operative and you will rarely see either a police road block or army foot patrol unless travelling through South Armagh and parts of Fermanagh. In the unlikely event that you do find yourself being quizzed about your movements and plans, simply be polite and co-operative and you should experience no problems. Obviously, politics remains a sensitive subject in the North, and you should use your common sense about what you say to whom. The emergency numbers in both the North and the Republic are 999 and 112
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