Smash and grab
September 10, 2009
Dear Warden and/or Registrant:
The U.S. Embassy in Quito alerts American citizens visiting or resident in the Quito area of an increased incidence of “smash-and-grab” robberies from personal vehicles. In a typical “smash-and-grab” attack, the assailant attempts to break the front passenger side window with a blunt object, grabbing any valuables exposed in the car while the driver is stopped in traffic. Unaccompanied, female drivers are typically the target of these crimes. We recommend that Americans conceal valuables and remain vigilant of their personal safety while driving in Ecuador.
If you find yourself involved in a robbery, it is important to be non-confrontational and cooperate with the robber. Nothing material is as valuable as your life.
If involved in a criminal incident, U.S. citizens are encouraged to file a “denuncia,” or “theft report,” with the local police and then to inform the American Citizens Services Office at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil. Contact information for both the Embassy and Consulate General is located below.
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Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 398 5000 X3800. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov. American Citizen walk-in hours are between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.
The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904. See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.