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In last week’s Chicago Tribune travel section there was an article saying that the State Dept. is warning Americans about a rash of armed attacks on tourists driving from the San Jose airport at night. It said 10 such attacks recently. What’s the lowdown from someone down there? Is CR turning into another Jamaica?
BobI would be curious how many armed robberies take plac in Chicago every month? Why not ask the local police precincts. Everything is relative…
There have been incidents and arrests of those that puncture tires of tourists rental vehicles before they leave the airport or agency. While travelling, the tourist discovers their tire has gone flat and pull over. While pulled over, the scum come upon the scene – usually in a veiled attempt to help. Sometimes they are able to remove bags/valuables or outright hold up the tourists. This has been reported a number of times in http://www.amcostarica.com.
It does happen. Just recently it was reported that an average of 4 US passports are reported stolen daily in Costa Rica. There are definitely people here who prey upon those who are more interested in taking in the beauty of the country vs being 100% vigilant. Normally the crimes are not violent, but like any place there is violent crime.
Safety depends on where you go, at what time and how you act.
I can find no mention of this on any of the US State Department websites. If you have the link, please do post it here.
With the usual attention deficit like psychotic paranoia, it does state that “There have been no recent acts of terrorism in Costa Rica” which might be comforting to people that know absolutely nothing about the rest of the world.
Scott
Coming from someone who has been visiting Costa Rica for 15 years, I can ABSOLUTELY confirm that crime is on the rise. Blame it on Colombians, Nicaraguans or Ticos themselves but assault with a weapon now happens… frequently! As a matter of fact, several times a day in San Jose and in the better parts of the city including residential areas.
I’m sorry to report this as I absolutely love the country.
I’ve been there 4 times without incident BUT I think much crime depends on where you go and how you look.
Popular cities, beaches and tourist spots are perfect crime area’s.Rental cars can be spotted a mile away which is the first problem.
Remembering that your not in America is another simple defense BUT many have forgotten it.
Pull into liberia and leave your luggage in the car while getting lunch. OUCH! All gone!Heading to the beach near Tamarindo to watch your husband Surf……
another ouch! Everthing cleaned out while standing 30 ft from the car.I never leave my car alone in the larger towns and NEVER leave ANYTHING in the car visible….. Always hidden with the expensive stuff under the seat.
Let them take my bag but they may not get under the seat. ALL electronics, cash and documents NEVER leave my body.
Backpack on my back always and WITHOUT the BIG SONY label blaring !!
And I never look like I would if I were in Hawaii……..shaved, Jewelry, gold watch, camera around my neck, loud shirt with crazy colors etc.
Your asking for it.
I love CR but simple defenses can make the difference.
Kenny S>Unfortunately, all true. I’m told by people who lived there in the 60’s & 70’s, when everyone was poor in money terms, but rich in human terms, and no one locked their doors. This is the idealic Costa Rica of the past. I was there in the 80’s, and things started to go South after the war in Nicaragua. Ex contras, armed to the teeth, bored and hungry. This is when bank robberies started to become commonplace. Before that time I remember a peaceful workers’ demonstration in downtown San Jose, someone broke a window. It was headlines the next day, people were mortified.
There are definitely bad elements from Colombia and other parts taking refuge in Costa Rica, and teaching the Ticos how to become violent criminals. Don’t get me wrong, most Colombians, Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans (and Americans for that matter, and Canadians, and…) are wonderful people, but Costa Rica has always tended to offer safe haven for predators.
The good news is that President Arias has mounted a new offensive against crime, and I’m told that police presence everywhere has markedly increased. Crime is biting into tourism, and that’s forcing some action. Plus, Arias is very influential and smart enough to be a powerful president indeed, in a country where the first power is “congress” (diputados).
Costa Rica is a treasure to be enjoyed, but you’ll fare better if you’re paranoid about your belongings, and sensible about the situations you put yourself in.
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