Personal security and my experiences on a night out in some countries for a start Africa, yes I had been robbed, mugged and knifed, in Anglola on more than one occasion guns of all sizes and shapes were pointed at me, put it this way I always wore a cheap watch, and lost the money in my wallet. (a little tip here always put $20 dollars inside your socks one in each instep) its your taxi fare back to the hotel?

But whether In the line of duty or simply business and pleasure from the north south to the east, west, you will find crime, or it will find you, so when you go on your safari or business, don't think your immune.

I have listed a couple of cities just to give you and idea, rule number one though don't got out wandering around by yourself, and even in a group you can a be attacked, so take a look at these examples and beware;

Lagos, Nigeria: Foreigners Beware

Violent crime is rampant, and foreigners often targeted. There is a constant threat of petty crime, scams and fraud, along with violent robbery, armed muggings, assault, burglary, and armed car-jacking.

Crime rates (robbery, in particular) typically rise before Christmas, when street patrols are slightly reduced.

With extreme caution necessary, especially at night, expatriates often hire an armed guard. In fact, many expatriates live in a compound with guards and perimeter fencing. Security forces are unable to combat even petty crime, and some are involved in criminal activities. In fact, the police are as likely to detain and harass foreigners as a means of extortion as to provide assistance.

Nairobi, Kenya: Weapons Abound

Violent crime is the greatest threat to expatriates, as most crimes involve a weapon. Crime rates are especially high in densely populated areas, as well as wealthy districts. The police maintain a strong presence in the city centre, but they are undermanned, poorly trained, and ill equipped. Moreover, the police force is one of the most corrupt institutions in society.

Opportunistic street crimes (mugging, scams) are prevalent, with the threat of such crime rising during periods of political crisis. Car-jacking is also widespread (attackers easily resort to violence), along with theft from open windows while the car is stopped at a traffic light. Armed robbery is a problem on highways, too, mainly in rural areas and at some national parks and game preserves; however, it does occur even on some main roads, particularly at night. Residential break-ins are common. So what I always did was pay the extra and stay in a 5 star hotel with disco or entertainment area, restrict my movements within the hotel complex. The schedule of in house entertainment is often very good and cultural. I quite often also went down to Mombassa to the white sands hotel great hotel sea front, a number of pools, bars and entertainment.

Johannesburg, South Africa: Highest Incidence of Rape

Although crime statistics are levelling off, Johannesburg still has one of the highest per capita crime rates in the world, with levels of violent crime exceptionally high. People tend to carry concealed firearms, which leads to an escalation in violence. Mugging, armed robbery, theft, car-jacking, and "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles are among the major problems.

Anyone arriving at an airport should be wary of the growing threat of being followed, then robbed at the final destination, whether home or hotel. Women are at greater risk of attack and sexual assault, as South Africa has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world. Jo'burg was definitely scheduled around the hotel entertainment and in house movies, cant say I went out much here, stayed in sandton and found a nice Irish pub at the holiday Inn, but if you are venturing out get a hotel taxi or pre approved transport from the hotel to you business or pleasure, don't walk!!

Leaving Africa I am going to mention Thailand just so you don't think I am only picking on Africa, yes there are crimes and scams in Thailand and once again if you wander off the tourist spots you are looking for trouble. Recently another tourist murdered, very sad but she trusted and went alone with a man she did not know and went to a secluded area of the beach with him where she was strangled to death. He has been arrested and charged.

Prostitution is as you know infamous in Bangkok and by personal experience! I warn those gentlemen this is fast becoming a crash(sleep) and grab(steal) job, 99.9% of the time the victim has been drinking and these ladies are now armed with a very fast acting sleeping pill, you wake up in the morning or early afternoon with one hell of a headache and your personal belongings gone. Security in your hotel are none the wiser, after all your sleeping. Who do you tell you have been robbed your wife. One friend of mine had this happen to him and had to move hotels as his wife was arriving the next day, very embarrassing, how do you prevent this?, simple let temptation pass you by, easier said than done eh!

So if you don't heed my advice a word of warning, tell security you will phone them when the lady is about to leave, also remember she may have slipped you the pill prior to arriving at the hotel so get your personal belongings put away safely as soon as you get in the room. I kid you not this is not a fairy tale, of course they love you!!

Anyway A Word to the Wise on global security

Obviously, common sense precautions are necessary in dangerous locations. But it is also advisable to heed the counsel, guidelines, and warnings provided not only by employers and security firms, but also foreign government consulates and embassies. Find out as much as you can before you arrive. By being prepared, you can ensure the safest assignment or holiday for you and your loved ones.