There is a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa, and at the coastal beach resorts. During periods when police are occupied due to civil unrest related to political tensions, there may be an increase in street crime and banditry. Reports of attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants are on the rise. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables with them, but to store all valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. Thieves often snatch watches, jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic.
Armed carjackings are common in Nairobi.
There also is a high incidence of residential break-ins. Thieves and con men have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials. Tourists who accept sweet biscuits or juice from new acquaintances on intercity buses in Kenya have been robbed after being drugged by food or drink laced with sedatives. Highway banditry is common on the roads leading to the Somali border. Air travel is the safest means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi.