Crime in Costa Rica
Crime in Costa Rica
In this weeks AM Costa Rica I came across this headline; “Two suspects nabbed in wave of tire-puncturing robberies”. The very first thing I notice is that the robbers are Columbian and not from Costa Rica. This seems to be the norm. Don’t get me wrong there are many Costa Rican criminals but there are far more from Columbia and Nicaragua.
Stay Safe
There is always a new article complaining about security and crime in Costa Rica, so I decided to check out some stats for myself. I went to OSAC and found the Costa Rica 2009 Crime and Safety Report
Here is the summary of the report, if you are going to travel to Costa Rica I suggest you spend the 15 minutes it will take to read this;
All travelers and American citizens residing in Costa Rica should consult the Department of State’s website, http://travel.state.gov for current information about the security situation in Costa Rica.
The Department of State currently considers the crime rate in Costa Rica as high. Crimes of opportunity such as robberies, purse snatchings, and burglaries are the most common types of crimes committed in Costa Rica and are increasing each year. Violent home invasions and express kidnapping have also increased in the past year. The continued increase in criminal activity can be attributed to inadequate and uncoordinated policing, combined with a complex judicial system in which few reported crimes are taken through to a judicial conclusion. This combination has created a permissive environment in which criminals freely commit crimes with little fear of arrest or prosecution.
Long term visitors to Costa Rica must be alert for ever increasing auto theft rings and escalating incidents of carjacking. Also, 2008 saw an increase in the number of smash and grab thefts from vehicles stuck in traffic. The thieves break vehicle windows to steal purses, laptops, or other valuables. Residential break-ins are also common. All residences should be appropriately secured by grills, fences, or walls, and protected by an alarm system.
The embassy routinely deals with U.S. citizens who are victims of criminal activities. Criminals frequently prey on tourists through street scams, ATM thefts, robbery of their belongings while transiting from the airport to lodging, and, increasingly, credit card theft, to include number skimming. Rental vehicles continue to be a favorite target for thieves. U.S. Embassy San Jose receives more reports of passport theft than any other U.S. Embassy in the world. The majority of cases involve the theft of bags from rental vehicles or tour buses.
There are numerous crimes associated with rental vehicles. The most common is to puncture a tire on the victim’s rental car and follow the car until the driver pulls to the side of the road. At this point the criminals, posing as “good Samaritans” approach the vehicle to help replace the tire and in the process steal the personal effects of the tourist. Tourists who rent vehicles have been victims of carjacking, thefts, and assault. Criminals often target popular beach areas as visitors will often leave valuables in their rental vehicles while swimming. All criminals should be considered armed with firearms or knives. The criminals, if challenged or threatened, will not hesitate to use their weapons.
Credit card fraud and numbers skimming occur in Costa Rica but are not rampant. All travelers and long-term visitors should follow the same precautions they would practice in the U.S. Travelers should carefully monitor their credit cards and frequently check their credit card accounts. Travelers should avoid the use of debit cards for point of sale purchases because if compromised the account could be emptied quickly.
For real though, I have been here a year and have not had anyone try and rob me with a gun or knife. But, I fell that common sense plays a big role here. I am from a big city and understand how to live in one…
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the only time i was freaked out in costa rica was at the airport. it was late, dark outside, and my ride wasn't there. strange people kept asking if i needed help. they thrust cell phones in my face or offered to drive me to my hotel. who are you looking for? they asked. where are you going? i just wanted them to leave me alone long enough to get oriented. it was very noisy and intimidating.
I hated my first trim to the airport as well. But, I did let them help me carry my bags :)
i hope they didn't puncture your bags! LOL
:)
:)
My parents bought property in CR in 1995 and moved there in 1998. My father died there in 2004. Glad you haven't been a victim of any crime in the year since you have been there – that hasn't been the case for my mother.
My 76 year-old mother was the victim of a home invasion last night at her home in Santa Rita, just outside of Liberia, Costa Rica. Her car, television, radio, money, among other items, were stolen. There were three intruders who robbed her at knifepoint and then tied her up.
This is the second time she was the victim of a home invasion. The first robbery was in late July 2004, just 2 weeks after the memorial service for her husband who had died in February. During that invasion there were also three men who robbed her – also at knifepoint. In that case they stayed in her house 3 hours, eating her food and leaving her tied up. They threatened that if she called the police they would kill her.
We believe in both cases the intruders were familiar with the property leaving us with many questions about whether and whom to trust.
There is an under-reporting of violent crime in Costa Rica and due to the increase of luxury resorts this other “side” of Costa Rica seems to be under-represented. So many ex-pats live in gated communities and don't really experience the real Costa Rica. There is alot that is wonderful about Costa Rica – at the same time it's important to remember it is NOT utopia and like anywhere in the world, bad things can and will happen.
Hi Sarah,
For some reason my reply and Seraphines disappeared. We are both very sad to hear what happened to your Mom. I did see your article on AM Costa Rica as well. Great idea to get the word out…
I am visiting CR in February and I am extremely paranoid about the crime, including the theft that occurs at the resort we are staying at. It is a free company trip and I fear we will end up paying greatly for it. We wanted a vacation so badly that I did not do my research before signing up to go. After what I have been reading, I am not going to be able to relax at all. We are scheduled to go on two bus excursions with the group which also worries me, since I have read about armed robberies to busloads of tourists. In the beginning it seemed like a beautiful, exotic place to vacation, but now I am really wondering if we are headed to a place where we may not leave – alive. You know traveling these days is stressful enough, I now wish we would have paid for a vacation to a place where we could relax and have a good time. I will trust no one nor any situation while in Costa Rica. We have traveled plenty to various destinations and NEVER have I felt so terrified to go. Yes, I have thought about inquiring about the possibility of canceling our free vacation. It is a shame that tourism is a main income of the area that we are going to, but there are not proper safety measures taken to protect the tourists. Crime is prevalent but yet it is a huge problem to report any theft so I expect that soon the tourism industry will drop dramatically, it’s possible it already has. We just wanted a place to escape the cold and soak up some sun……..
Hello Kandy,
I did not want to drive anyone away from Costa Rica, because I love this country. And, I have not had one experience of violence, so I am a bit biased. I do, however, want people to be prepared. If you are taking a bus trip, check out the companies information if you can find it. If not, rent a car and go behind the bus. The best form of action really, is to not appear to be a tourist.
It’s like bait on a fishing pole. Walking around staring at the sky with your $1000 camera around your neck is not a good idea. Wearing a lot of jewelry is also not a good idea, just that draws attention.
I am in Heredia, which has its fare share of crime, but not too much since it is not a tourist destination. Going to the beaches and to San Jose or Limon is where you will find most of the danger.
Please, try not to worry about your vacation. Think only that it will be a great vacation and use the Secret to make it so.