Let’s get right into this topic as it really irritates me when people comment or speak about crime with an uneducated or generalized perspective.

• “I hear that crime is really bad down south?”
• “Someone at the bar said to be careful as crime is on the rise!”
• “I overheard this guy saying that he got his car broken into!”

I had a rough week hearing these statements, while at the same time being inundated with images of riots in Baltimore, USA.

First, let’s define crime in Costa Ballena. Is it homicide? Murder? Looting or theft that you are referring to?

This is my twelfth year and I have never heard, read or known of any homicide or murder in the Costa Ballena of Costa Rica. Never!

As for looting, I do recall one sunny afternoon when a truck overturned and all the fruit (melons by the thousands) were splattered on the highway. People dining at sodas (small eating spots) ran out to help the driver collect his load.

Theft? Now we are talking?

Imagine this (if you can) the average wage is approximately $500 per month. The Costa Ballena is still a very rural area (remember, this is the reason you want to invest and live here) and those that are not professionals are laborers making $4.00 per hr.

The average smartphone costs $250+, as does the average digital camera, notepad and/or Blackberry.

So, using my well-trained mathematical skills, one could steal a cell phone and sell it on the market for about 50% of their monthly wage? And in less than fifteen minutes?

I love learning about how to be a better investor, whether it is in equities, real estate, or buying into a nice business. 50% in fifteen minutes seems like a fantastic way to achieve my investment objectives, quickly.

That is the reality in Costa Rica and in most parts of the world where the average monthly salary is less than the cost of a fancy cell phone.

That is our crime. You allowed it. You let your guard down. Bummer. Go ahead and cry-me a river. Now get over it!

I would encourage you not to leave your electronic devices in your car anywhere in the world! Period and never leave your luggage unattended, just don’t!

You are on vacation driving a rental car. That automatically makes you a target. Everyone knows you have travel money and a camera or smartphone, they see you snapping away, documenting how wonderful your vacation is in Costa Rica. Don’t think it can’t happen to you and be aware.

Now that I’ve shared my perspective, be smart and travel smart! When you drop your guard, as I can attest too, you will get taken. You wouldn’t leave all your fancy camera gear while parked at the beach where you live so don’t do that while in Costa Rica!!

Life is peaceful in these parts!

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.