Belize's Battle: Crime And Safety Concerns

Belize is a small country with a very low population density. However, it has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. In fact, Belize consistently ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide for its high homicide rate. The country is protected by the Belize Police Department, which has over 1000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees.

Belize City is the country's major crime centre, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. The Southside of Belize City is particularly dangerous and is the battlefront for frequent inter-gang conflict. The Guatemalan and Honduran borders are also areas of increased criminal activity.

While violent crime is a significant issue, tourists are rarely the targets of such incidents. However, tourists are often victims of theft and are advised to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid becoming targets of crime.

Belize's homicide rate

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. In 2023, there were 21.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 25 per 100,000 in 2022. This is still above the regional average of 18.3 homicides per 100,000.

The Belize murder/homicide rate for 2021 was 31.25, a 20.98% increase from 2020. In 2020, the murder rate was 25.83, a 25% decline from 2019. The murder rate in 2019 was 34.44, a 7.99% decline from 2018.

Belize City is known for its high crime rate, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. The area to the south of the Haulover Creek, known as Southside, is particularly dangerous. However, tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence.

While the homicide rate in Belize has been declining in recent years, other crimes have been on the rise. Crimes that affect women and girls, such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse, increased noticeably in 2022. Reported instances of rape doubled, while unlawful sexual intercourse rose by 30.4%.

Gang-related crime

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and gang-related violence is a significant contributor to this. Belize City, particularly the area south of Haulover Creek (known as Southside), is a hotspot for gang activity and sees frequent gang conflicts and shootings. The country's small population means that even a small number of gang-related murders can have a significant impact on the overall homicide rate.

More than 40 street gangs have been identified in Belize City, with some areas being off-limits to authorities. These gangs have substantial territorial control and operate as mafia-style groups, engaging in local drug trafficking and robberies. The increased access to guns by these gangs has led to a dramatic increase in gang violence and a broader pool of at-risk youth vulnerable to gang recruitment. Gangs in Belize are also involved in the international drug trade, serving as transit points for drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs destined for the US and Mexico.

The country's geographical position makes it an ideal passageway for human trafficking throughout Central America. While the human trafficking market in Belize does not have strong ties to international operations, it is facilitated by independent criminals and regional networks. Victims of human trafficking include Belizean and foreign national females, children, and migrants from Central America, Mexico, and Asia, who are exploited in agriculture, domestic work, and the sex trade.

Corruption and collusion with criminal groups among officials, politicians, and law enforcement also contribute to the gang-related crime problem in Belize. There have been allegations of high-profile politicians tied to organised crime, and corrupt police and military officials participating in criminal economies. The country's ineffective law enforcement, due in part to limited resources and corruption, further hinders efforts to combat gang activity.

While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence in Belize, it is essential to be vigilant and follow local authorities' advice and safety guidelines when visiting areas affected by gang activity.

Petty crime

In addition to petty crime, violent crime is also a concern in Belize, with the country having one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Gang-related violence, armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault are prevalent, particularly in Belize City and other urban areas. While tourists are not usually the targets of violent crimes, it is advised to follow local authorities' instructions and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Border areas, such as the one with Guatemala, often see higher criminal activity and violence. Criminals are known to operate near tourist sites, such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol. It is recommended to avoid these areas if possible and to always be aware of your surroundings.

Tourist safety

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, but it's important to be aware of potential dangers when travelling there. Here are some detailed safety tips for tourists:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and follow the advice of local authorities. This is especially important in areas with a high crime rate, such as Belize City, and more specifically, the Southside of Belize City.
• Avoid travelling after dark and stay in well-lit areas if you do.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.
• Keep your valuables out of sight and don't carry large amounts of cash.
• Use ATMs located inside a bank or well-lit public areas.
• Be cautious when using credit or debit cards and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Use only registered taxis (which have green licence plates) and always ask for the fare in advance.
• Avoid travelling by bus as they are not well-maintained and lack basic safety equipment.
• Avoid isolated areas, unlit alleys, and unsupervised beaches.
• Don't hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
• Don't resist if you are robbed.
• Report any incidents of crime to the police by calling 911.
• Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Be aware of the risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Monitor local weather updates and follow any advice from the National Emergency Management Organisation.
• Be cautious when participating in outdoor activities and adventure sports, such as snorkelling, diving, zip-lining, and hiking. Check local weather forecasts, use registered and licensed operators, and only undertake activities with well-established companies.
• If you are driving, be aware of poor road conditions, reckless drivers, and high levels of drink-driving. Avoid driving at night, especially during the rainy season, and keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
• Be aware of cultural differences and local laws, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights, drug possession, and archaeological artifacts.

While Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gangs, most of the violence occurs between gang members. Tourists can be affected if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time, so it's important to follow the above safety tips and stay vigilant.

Police presence

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime consistently ranks the country among the top 10 countries globally for homicides. The country's small population and murder rate, which averages just under 40 per 100,000 residents, contribute to this ranking. While the majority of murders and gang-related violence occur in the south side of Belize City, particularly in the area south of Haulover Creek (known as Southside), the rest of the country has also experienced rising levels of violent crime in recent years.

The Belize Police Department (BPD), the country's national police force, is responsible for law enforcement in Belize. The BPD has approximately 500 authorised personnel, with a ratio of about three police officers to every 1,000 inhabitants. The police force is divided into three territorial divisions: Eastern (including Belmopan and Belize City), Central, and Western. The BPD also has a small maritime element that operates six shallow-draft motorboats capable of patrolling coastal waters.

To address the high crime rate and enhance security, the Belizean government has implemented several measures, including increasing police presence and power of authority in high-crime areas. The BPD is divided into two main branches: Operational and Administrative. The Operational branch includes the Anti-Drug Unit and Uniformed Operations, such as the Gang Suppression Unit and the Mobile Interdiction Team. The Uniformed Operations consist of Community Policing, the Special Patrol Unit, and the National Traffic Branch. The BPD also has a Special Branch that handles national security matters.

In addition to the BPD, the Belize Defence Force and Coast Guard play a role in maintaining security, particularly in remote and border areas. However, these security forces face challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training and equipment, and a lack of personnel.

To improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in Belize, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) provides assistance through various programmes. INL works with interagency partners to provide the BPD with training, equipment, and expertise to detect and disrupt narcotics trafficking by transnational criminal organisations (TCOs) and local gangs. INL also assists in improving border security, enhancing citizen security, and strengthening the rule of law.

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