Is there a lot of crime in Belize?

"There is crime everywhere, as someone else stated, however, we have discovered that most crime is either related to illegal activities (drugs or human trafficing) or are crimes of opportunity (theft.) As is also true everywhere, the best defense against crime is use common sense. Avoid areas that are known for high crime (like the ports in Belize City at night..) Don't participate in illegal activities. Don't flash cash. Don't leave valuables unattended. Places that have more people have higher crime rates because there are more opportunities for bad behavior. In Belize, such places include Belize City, Placencia, and Ambergris Caye. Also, if you are a Gringo, you need to understand that you will be targeted for passive theft. That's because most people in Belize have encountered many Gringo tourists, who spend tons of money whenever they are in port. As a result of such encounters, many locals develop the attitude that most Gringos are rich, and they assume they won't miss (or can easily replace) anything that gets lost/broken/stolen. Therefore, if you leave an iPhone on a table in a bar while you go to fetch more drinks, there's a good chance it will be gone when you return. If someone there "finds" your phone, they will expect a reward for returning it to you. Again, be smart. When it comes to home security, we chose a development with security gates and patrols. If you don't want that, then invest in good doors, locks, window bars/shutters, etc. These protections are especially important if you are not planning to live there year-round. Generally, thieves will target/rob those places where they are least likely to run into trouble accessing the place or get caught. Some friends got dogs to make noise," said another expat in Belize.

"Belize is generally considered a safe place to visit, although there have been reports of crime, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Petty theft, home break-ins, and burglaries are common, especially in Belize City. Street crime such as bag snatching, pickpocketing, and muggings may also occur. Travellers should practice common sense security measures and avoid venturing in isolated areas," wrote a member who made the move to Belize.

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