If you read the on-line chat groups and forums, blogs and English newspapers here you will see countless stories about local crime. The media loves to play up the crime we do have because it attracts viewers and sells newspapers. Let’s face it no country is crime free and crime is increasing all over the world due to the troubled times in which we live. Nobody in their right mind would retire in a country that was riddled with violence.

There is more crime in Costa Rica than in the past. However, if I though my life was in danger I wouldn’t be living here. Fortunately 99% of the violent crime here involves drug disputes and misunderstandings due to alcohol between Costa Ricans. Petty theft does affect both Costa Rican and foreigners. If you take the right precautions you really reduce your chances of having your property stolen. I know many Americans and Canadians who have lived here for years and have never been the victims of a robbery. On the other hand, I know foreigners who have been robbed several times. One has to wonder why some people are always “sitting ducks.”

If you look at the big picture Costa Rica really has a lot less crime than any large American city. Furthermore, when compared to most countries in Latin America Costa Rica really has little crime.

Let’s look at some statistics. Costa Rica has about 10 murders per 100,000 people. El Salvador and Guatemala have over 60. Mexico used to be a retirement haven but fewer and fewer Americans are going there now because crime is out of control. In fact, the northern city of Ciudad Juarez is the second most violent place on earth. That’s worse than Iraq. However, when it comes to violent crime in Latin America Venezuela takes the prize. The murder rate is about 225 per hundred thousand in the city of Caracas alone. Caracas is now considered the most violent city in the world.

I make it a point of keeping up on crime statistics so I can provide the clients on my monthly relocation/retirement tours the most accurate information possible. If you move to Costa Rica and take some simple precautions and use your head, you will minimize the chance of being a crime victim.