Nicaragua: Rates of theft increase in 2018

Event

Rates of theft in Nicaragua have increased by 64 percent thus far in 2018 over 2017 levels. According to the Nicaraguan National Police, some 1258 robberies have been recorded across the country in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 766 over the same period of 2017, representing a 64 percent increase. Moreover, rates of violent theft have reportedly increased significantly in Nicaragua from 2017 to 2018 (over 200 percent). Among the places most affected by the robberies is the capital Managua, where some 38 percent of robberies (478 incidents) have taken place so far in 2018. Heightened rates of theft are expected to persist in Nicaragua, including in Managua, in the near-term.

Context

Crime rates in Nicaragua, while relatively low by Central American standards, are not insignificant. Rates of theft, mugging, break-ins, sexual assaults, and pickpocketing are particularly high in urban areas such as Managua. The annual homicide rate remains relatively low at 8 murders per 100,000 residents. However, this varies significantly by region, with the highest rates in the Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS), at 33 per 100,000. Nicaragua's police forces do not suffer from the same levels of endemic corruption as forces elsewhere in the region. However, the police presence is low, particularly outside the capital.

Advice

Due to the general crime threat, individuals in Nicaragua 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.