Belize 2008 Crime & Safety Report - Close Protection Forum and Surveillance Forum

polarserv international · **Belize 2008 Crime & Safety Report**

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.

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