Just to clarify for those who read my post on being robbed in Riga. I spent four months travelling through Poland, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia. Mainly staying in the capitals. Not once did I witness violence or feel threatened. There were no attempts to steal the van nor break in. I felt safer in Moscow than in London and did not have to avert my eyes from every thug who thinks casual violence is normal.
I am currently in London. Yesterday, a gang of young tenagers threw things at a friend and I, in the middle of the day, at a busy train station. Frayed my nerves a bit. They are getting out of control.
The only incident I witnessed was some gypsies on Nevsky prospect, St.P, trying to rob a couple of middle-aged americans who had open handbags and lots of jewellery on display. They were asking to be targetted. Use the same street savvy as you use in your own cities. There are other posts on this subject.
The embassies in St.P do get tourists complaining about police levying fines. Avoid the police. But don't get paranoid. I had a great time. You will too. Just use some common sense.
I have already admitted that the decisions I made that night were not the most wise. Always be aware of how you are perceived and let your guard down totally in any big city (and Riga qualifies) and never, ever (ever, ever, ever) follow someone you don't know down a dark alley at night. Even if he claims to be a taxi driver.
But I did remember one rule - give up your money if thats all it takes to get out of a dire situation. Its only money.