Papua New Guinea has been the subject of considerable negative reportage - rapes, robberies, random violence - during the last decade, much of it exaggerated. Attention has usually focused on what is loosely termed the 'rascal problem', which can include anything from petty street crime to carjacking. Though trouble is mostly confined to clans, some precautions should be taken. These include not wandering around late at night (especially in cities), dressing conservatively (this applies mainly to women), avoiding overt public displays of affection and concealing valuables. Most travellers recommend listening to local advice and, above all, making friends with the people who live in the area you are visiting. Of course, most of the problems plaguing PNG afflict other countries; the best advice is to simply use your head and take reasonable care.