Costa Rica: Increase in aggravated robberies in 2018

Event

On April 8, the Costa Rican Public Force reported that there have been 3201 aggravated robberies in Costa Rica so far this year, representing an increase of 363 incidents over the same period in 2017. Additional Public Force officers will be deployed throughout the country to mitigate the increase in crime.

Context

Costa Rica has traditionally been one of the least violent countries in the region, with a relatively high level of development and a stable government. However, increasing levels of inequality have led to an upsurge in violence related to the drug trade in recent years. Costa Rican officials reported a record 582 murders in 2017, attributing the increase to conflict between drug traffickers. The violence has been concentrated in the outer areas of San José and its suburbs, including Sabanilla, Pavas, Villa Esperanza, Desamparados, Zapote, and Curridabat. The murder rate in 2017 reached 12 incidents per 100,000 residents, and is considered an epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Advice

Individuals in Costa Rica are advised to remain vigilant at all times and take common-sense measures to minimize the risk of becoming a target (e.g. maintain a low profile, do not wear or display items of value, etc.), particularly in outer areas of San José.