Budapest: Crime

Other than the odd mafia related bombing or assassination, violent crime in Budapest is rare, certainly amongst the general public and tourists. Petty theft such as pick pockets and scammers are on the rise though, so common sense and the usual precautions should be adhered. Take particular care of scammers around Fisherman's Castle or the Citadel that are heavy with tourists. Here you will find street crime at its most rife with scammers trying to lure people into betting games. Policemen patrol the area on a frequent basis and can be identified by their blue uniforms, but there are also criminals posing as policemen, so if you are stopped and asked to show ID, ask to see their badge before taking out your purse or wallet.