The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is updating U.S. citizens about our message sent January 6, 2023, regarding an increase in pick pocketing and theft by groups of criminal youth in and around Freedom Square/Liberty Square and the Galleria mall in Tbilisi.
Currently, U.S. Embassy Tbilisi is strongly recommending that its staff and their family members avoid the Galleria mall area of Freedom Square until further notice. If you find yourself in that area, we encourage you to be vigilant, aware of your surroundings, and secure any valuables in your front pockets (wallet, phone, etc.) due to increased robberies.
Background: U.S. Embassy Tbilisi is aware of groups of criminal youth loitering near Freedom Square/the Galleria Mall who are aggressively robbing pedestrians. In some cases, the attackers have pulled victims to the ground, with many victims having their arms and legs held while being robbed.
Additional information:
U.S. Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia
(995)(32) 227-7724 (M-F 8:30-5:30)
(995)(32) 227-7000 (after hours life-or-death emergencies)
https://ge.usembassy.gov/
For additional assistance in emergencies:
The Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
From the United States: +1 888-407-4747
From overseas: +1 202-501-4444
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