Belize 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Americas - Belize
8 Apr 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The crime rate in Belize continues to be critical, and over the last year has worsened. Attacks on U.S. Citizens and a very high murder rate, combined with an understaffed and poorly resourced police force, make the high crime threat in Belize a primary concern of the newly elected government. The types and frequency of these recent crimes have hurt the tourism industry, upon which the economy is based. The U.S. Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for Belize (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1055.html) provides a current and accurate overview of the environment. American fugitives are frequently identified and captured in Belize, indicating a large transnational criminal element.

Crime Threats

Crime in Belize is very widespread, occasionally very violent, and has spread beyond the “bad” areas and may now target individuals in normally safe neighborhoods. The only commonality is that victims are usually targets of opportunity, and frequently alone. Moving with a group is advised. Never carry large sums of money, carry only one credit card and only a copy of your passport - leave the original, extra money, credit cards, etc., in a safe deposit box at the hotel.

There has been no decline in crime in Belize. In 2007, burglary, theft, robbery, and murder ranked among the top four crimes. Recent indications evidence a growing presence of gangs in Belize. Last November, Belize reports of Mara Salvatrucha gangs (MS-13 and MS-18) indicate a stronger base of operations than previously known. The safest place in Belize still remains on the cayes (islands). While crime still exists there, it is much less frequent, and generally non-violent. Crime on the cayes is generally petty and mostly crimes of opportunity (grabbing a purse left unattended, etc.). On the cayes, violent crimes generally involve only residents.

Personal robberies

Robberies are common, but if victims cooperate they are generally unharmed. Police to date have been unable to find any of the criminals involved in actions against members of the Mission.

Residential thefts

Residential theft is also very common; metal grills on windows and doors are vital to basic security. Exterior lighting is important, and a fence or wall is also important. Organized crime still remains an issue: money laundering, human smuggling and the drug trade remain beyond the ability of the police to address.

Safety Threats

Road Conditions in Belize

Road conditions are moderate to poor. The primary highways, Northern, Western, Southern and Hummingbird Highways are in generally good condition once away from the city. Close to Belize City the road conditions are very poor. There are no lighted highways, no shoulder, and driving can be very dangerous, especially after dusk and during the frequent rains.

Road Hazards

Hazards are many and frequent: pedestrians, bicycles, and animals use the highways for travel, and stopped or unlit vehicles create a real hazard.

Political Violence

Political violence is almost nonexistent in Belize. February 2008 Belize General Election marked a major turnover in government. The transition from one party to another proved very peaceful. Early 2007 saw several political protests, and one that had begun peacefully turned violent when a criminal element used the protest as an opportunity to initiate a riot. The 2008 General Elections proved once again that Belize adheres to democratic principles.

Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime

Organized crime still remains an issue: money laundering, human smuggling and the drug trade remain beyond the ability of the police to address effectively.

International Terrorism and Transnational Terrorism

While there do not appear to be any active links to Middle Eastern terrorist groups currently active in Belize, minimal immigration controls, the theft of passports and the ease with which documents can be obtained make the country a potential transit point for transnational terrorists. In 2006, possible hostile surveillance of  the former Chancery in Belize City led to quick action by the Belize police, but Belize has no counter-terrorism ability, no EOD, nor any SWAT-type elements.

Civil Unrest

Prior to the recent election, small demonstrations and strikes were common in Belize, but are almost always peaceful. Such actions have been directed against the Government of Belize. The government requires a license to hold a protest or demonstration, requested from the police department 24 hours before the start. Since the election, there is no indication of resentment that could lead to unrest. Americans are normally affected indirectly by having to avoid the area of a demonstration, or with the possibility of short-term interruption of services.

Post-Specific Concerns

Natural Disasters

The most likely and most feared natural disaster is a hurricane. June through November is the hurricane season in the Western Caribbean, but the September and October period is the most likely time for tropical storms and hurricanes. Belize has almost no capability to respond to such a disaster, and the vulnerability is well known. Belize National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) has for the last three years analyzed the vulnerability to a hurricane, and no actions have been taken in response to these reports. Hurricane shelters exist along the coast line, but food and water supplies are either non-existent or inadequate. Waterways require dredging, so flooding will be exacerbated. Belize has no evacuation plan.

Minor earthquakes have occurred in Belize, notably in southern Belize. There is no record of a severe quake during modern times. There are no active volcanoes in Belize. While Belize is tropical and has regular rainfall, clogged drainage and waterways combined with urban growth lead to frequent flooding of roadways, even during the dry season. Flooding has not been disastrous, but a severe storm or hurricane will cut off vehicular movement in some coastal areas. The rainy season typically begins in June or July. Heavy rains from June through September in southern Belize can also cause flooding at any time during this period. There is a risk for forest fires at the end of the dry season, typically April and May.

Kidnappings

To date, Belize is the only country in Central America to have no kidnapping of tourists or foreigners for ransom.

Police Response

While the Belize Police are very supportive of Embassy needs, their ability to respond to any crime is very limited. Few vehicles are available, the police force is understaffed and poorly equipped, and deterrence is minimal. Investigations are slow. The Government of Belize takes crimes against visitors very seriously; however, chronic resource and manpower shortages seriously hamper their ability to respond or investigate fully. Because the general police and emergency telephone lines are continually busy, telephone contact with police is often difficult.

Police Harassment or Detention

Police are very cooperative with the Embassy regarding Americans who are arrested or detained, and always inform the Embassy. Any American Citizen who feels they are being harassed should contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan. The Consular Section and Consular Agents maintain a list of attorneys in their respective areas. Local attorneys will charge based upon the magnitude of the case.

If you become a victim of a crime contact the local police station:

Belize City Police Department tel: 227-2222,
San Pedro Police Station tel: 226-2022,
San Ignacio Police Station tel: 824-2022,
Punta Gorda Police Station tel: 722-2022
Orange Walk Police Station tel: 322-2022
Independence Police Station tel: 523-2022
Dangriga Police Station tel: 522-2022
Corozal Police Station tel: 422-2022
Caye Caulker Police Station tel: 226-0179
Benque Viejo Police Station tel: 823-2038
Belmopan Police Station tel: 822-2221

Medical Emergencies

Medical Assistance

There are 10 hospitals located in Belize. All medical clinics see only outpatient cases and are not staffed to handle emergencies. Therefore there are no organized medical clinics within Belize. Belize City is the center for medical care in Belize. The two major hospitals equipped to handle serious medical problems are located Belize City: Belize Medical Associates (5791 St. Thomas Street, Kings Park, tel. 223-0303) and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City (Princess Margaret Dr., tel. 501-223-1548). Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is adequate for many serious problems but the blood supply is not screened for Hepatitis C. On two separate occasions, infected blood is known to have caused Hepatitis C infections. Medical facilities outside Belize City, even in Belmopan, are not adequate to handle serious medical conditions, such as cardiac problems, and often fail to meet basic standards. Those with serious or life-threatening problems who need medevac should contact Air Ambulance Professionals (Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, Hanger 36B 1535 S. Perimeter Rd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309, Tel: 800-752-4192; 954-491-0555, Fax: 954-491-6114).

Medical expenses in Belize can become costly. It is important a few weeks prior to traveling to Belize to check that you have sufficient coverage with your insurance company. You should bring prescription drugs you will need with you. There are reasonably well-stocked pharmacies in most major towns and tourist destinations.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Personal Security Practices

-- Maintain a low profile - Do not advertise the fact that you are American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions.
-- Vary your routine - Be unpredictable in your movements; vary your routes from home to the office as well as your departure and arrival times.

--Be alert to possible surveillance - Note any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities, such as going from home to the office.
--Be alert to your surroundings - Minimize valuables and do not carry large sums of money. Be aware of potential scams and robbery tactics used to distract your attention.
-- Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended.
-- When hiring domestic help, vet them to the greatest extent that you can. Ensure that they are informed not to volunteer personal information to strangers or to allow access of workers without prior authorization.

Travel Precautions

Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is good operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, tires, brakes, head and tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn, seat belts and fluid levels. Particularly on trips to remote areas, try to travel in tandem with other vehicles, and advise someone of your travel plans, including anticipated arrival and departure times and contact numbers.

The following items are recommended for extended road trips:

-- Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between cities lack coverage)
-- A spare tire;
-- Potable water;
-- Non-perishable food items;
-- First Aid kit;
-- Fire extinguisher;
-- Emergency tool kit with:
-- Flashlight and additional batteries;
-- Battery operated radio;
-- Extra fan belt/drive belt;
-- Extra fuses, spark plugs, and light bulbs;
-- Duplicate ignition key;
-- Screw driver (regular and Phillips head);
-- Socket wrench set;
-- Pliers;
-- Wire;
-- Electrical tape;
-- Jumper cables;
-- Compressed air tire pump;
-- Flares/reflectors

Protecting Your Vehicle

Spare tire - If your tire is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or similar device. If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips outside the city. 

Items inside the vehicle - Theft of small, easily pilfered items is a common crime, as is the theft of car sound systems. The installation of a car alarm is strongly recommended. If you purchase a car radio, look for models that can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. Also, keep your vehicle sterile, storing anything that would entice a thief out of plain view.

Locking hubs - Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a specially keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a special attachment to the tire iron.

Parking - Parking on the street can rarely be avoided. If left overnight, ensure you park in an area well lit, with security guards (most hotels have security guards), and park within view of the location of your visit. 

Car Alarm - As previously mentioned, installation of a car alarm is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents.

How to Contact the U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is located at Floral Park Road Belmopan, Cayo, Belize and is open for regular business Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Embassy is closed on American and Belizean holidays.

The Embassy main phone number is 501-822-4011, fax 501-822-4012,
Embassy Regional Security Officer 501-822-4011 ext 4007;
Economic/Political Section 501-822-4011 ext 4197;
Embassy Nurse 501-822-4011 ext 4286.

Americans are encouraged to register with the American Citizens Service Office, located in the Consular section at the American Embassy, 501-822-4011, ext. 4219 / 4209.

OSAC Country Council

OSAC had its first meeting July 2007. Interested parties can contact the council through the Embassy Regional Security Officer at 501-822-4011 ext 4007.