Guatemala: Increased security presence around schools

Event

Guatemalan authorities have announced the deployment of additional security measures around schools in and around Guatemala City over fears of attacks by criminal gangs. According to local sources, 109 schools in the departments of Mixco and Villa Nueva, as well as in zones 1, 6, and 18 of Guatemala City, have requested additional security to avoid extortion, or after having received threats from criminal gangs.

Context

Significant security concerns affect the country as a whole, notably high homicide rates and the booming drug trade. According to government statistics, crime rates have fallen by 13 percent over the past two years since President Jimmy Morales assumed office. Nevertheless, rates of violent crime and extortion remain high, leading to two deaths per day on average.

While Guatemalans are the main victims of crime, foreign residents and tourists can also be targeted by thieves, who may not hesitate to resort to violent means. Guatemala City, the capital, is particularly affected, as are areas along the Mexican border. Furthermore, kidnapping - including "express" kidnapping - is an issue in both Guatemala City and rural areas of the country, although foreigners are rarely targeted. Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse snatching) occurs in all major cities and tourist sites.

Advice

Due to the general crime threat, individuals in Guatemala are advised to remain vigilant, only keep small amounts of cash on hand, conceal signs of wealth as much as possible, only use ATMs located within banks (and be vigilant when leaving banks), and never hail taxis off the street. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.