Is anyone concerned about the recent Crime in Belize? We live outside of Chicago , so the woman murdered there recently received allot of coverage here. Still going of course in April, but excursions now have us a tad nervous. We of course practice safe travel no matter where we go Chicago included!!! Any input? We wound up staying in the area close to where the woman from Chicago go murdered and also near the TEC where two Canadian tourists were held up at gunpoint the day we arrived in Belize.
Thankfully we didn't have any problems. When we were on the mainland, when we did the trip to caracol and the caves, we did have guides. We walked around San Ignacio without issues by ourselves. This is a good thing, IMO. We went out every night in caye caulker and took a taxi home, as our house was a long walk to town. I did a it of walking to town early morning and during the day-no problems.
No reason to cancel trips. I'm a warden for the US Embassy and was there Friday for a meeting. The Regional Security Officer addressed crime in Belize , specifically against US cits and said, driving is still the biggest risk visitors face. Today's NY times article addressing the same bears who his comments. That of course does not make any easier for victims of crime.
We'll be in Belize tomorrow! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about encountering crime. But we're taking general precautions and I hope they will be enough not to make us targets - packing light, not carrying electronics on us cell phones stowed away , hidden around the waist type wallets for passports and credit cards, cash in zippered pockets.
Planning on the "safety in numbers" strategy and only doing guided tours and staying away from bars after dark. I've been in San Pedro for two months. We go out at night, we don't get stupid drunk, and, we don't stay out late. We do enjoy dinner, and drinks before and after dinner. The island is full of visitors at the moment, hope you have a wonderful visit.
