Belize's Dark Secret: Tourist Murders

Belize has a high homicide rate compared to other countries in the region, with 21.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. While the murder rate has been declining in recent years, there has been an increase in violent crimes against tourists and expats. In 2022, there were 113 murders in Belize, and young people between the ages of 18 and 29 were the primary victims of homicide. Firearms are the main weapon used in murders in Belize, with eight out of ten murders committed with a gun. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but it is important to be aware of the potential for more serious crimes and to take precautions to ensure personal safety.

Murders of foreign nationals in Belize have increased in recent years

In 2022, Belize recorded 113 murders, a decrease from the previous year's total of 125. The murder rate per 100,000 population has also been declining, dropping from 25 in 2021 to 21.5 in 2023. However, despite this overall downward trend, the number of foreign nationals among the murder victims has been increasing.

Several high-profile cases of foreign nationals being murdered in Belize have made international headlines in recent years. In January 2016, a news anchor from Chicago was found dead in the Cayo District. The following year, in December 2017, an expat woman was strangled in Placencia. In May 2018, a Texan expat was shot dead in his San Pedro restaurant. These cases, and others like them, often remain unsolved, with authorities struggling to make arrests or secure convictions.

The increase in murders of foreign nationals in Belize has sparked concerns about the safety of tourists and expats in the country. While the majority of violent crimes in Belize are still committed against Belizeans, the creeping rise of serious crimes in tourist areas has not gone unnoticed. As a result, some worry that Belize's reputation as a tourist destination may suffer.

To address these concerns, authorities in Belize have implemented various measures to enhance security and protect foreign nationals. These include increasing police presence and power in high-crime areas, as well as encouraging community involvement in Neighbourhood Watch schemes and similar initiatives. Despite these efforts, the rise in murders of foreign nationals remains a pressing issue that requires further attention and action.

The majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. In 2023, the murder rate was 21.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 25 per 100,000 in 2022. Despite this, the majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans.

Much of the violent crime in Belize occurs on the south side of Belize City, home to several street gangs. Belizean officials have tried to control the security situation in these areas, allowing for warrantless searches of personnel and property. However, violent crime has risen steadily across the country over the past several years.

While tourists are often victims of theft, few experience real violence. Most foreign crime victims don't realize they've been targeted until they wake up and find their valuables missing. However, there has been an increase in violent crimes against tourists and expats in recent years.

Armed robberies of tourists remain a possibility at archaeological sites, national parks, and other areas frequented by visitors. In 2012, there was a widely publicized murder of a US citizen in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Since 2016, several foreigners have been murdered in Belize.

Belize City's high rate of gang conflicts and shootings contributes to Belize's homicide rate

Belize has seen an increase in violent crimes against tourists and expats in recent years. While tourists are often victims of theft, there has been a rise in murders of foreign nationals. Several foreigners have been murdered in Belize since 2016, with some cases remaining unsolved. The country's homicide rate is largely attributed to Belize City, where gang conflicts and shootings are a frequent occurrence.

Belize City has a high rate of gang conflicts and shootings, which significantly contributes to the country's homicide rate. In 2023, the homicide rate in Belize was 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, a slight decrease from the previous year's rate of 25. The city has witnessed an increase in gang violence, with authorities imposing a state of emergency in some areas to curb the rising crime. The state of emergency grants the police enhanced powers of arrest and detention, as well as the ability to call for military support.

Gang violence in Belize City has escalated due to increased access to firearms, putting more youths at risk of gang recruitment. The government has recognised the issue and is working on a coordinated response across agencies to reduce gang-related violence. The recent surge in shootings and murders in the country is attributed to territorial disputes among local gangs vying for control of marijuana markets.

The Belizean government has taken a tough stance on gang-related crimes, with the police commissioner, Chester Williams, defending the measures as necessary for restoring law and order. The government's decision to impose a state of emergency has divided public opinion, with some criticising the violation of civil liberties and others applauding the efforts to improve safety.

The high rate of gang conflicts and shootings in Belize City has undoubtedly contributed to the country's homicide rate. The government and law enforcement agencies are working to address the issue, but it remains a significant concern for both locals and tourists visiting the country.

Theft is the most common crime committed against tourists in Belize

Belize is a relatively small country in Central America with a population of fewer than 500,000 citizens, yet it attracts a large number of tourists each year. The country boasts gorgeous wildlife, clear waters, rich hues, and a lively culture. However, it has gained a reputation for having a high murder rate, with 113 murders committed in 2022. While violent crime does occur in Belize, tourists are rarely the targets of such crimes. The majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, with tourists more often falling victim to theft and other types of petty crime.

In addition to theft, tourists may also encounter muggings and assaults, which typically occur at night. To stay safe, it is recommended to travel in groups, use registered guides when exploring off the beaten path, and take cabs after sunset. While violent crime against tourists is rare, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.

Belize has a reputation for high crime rates, particularly in Belize City, where gang conflicts and shootings are common. However, outside of Belize City, many travellers report only positive experiences. Overall, while theft is the most common crime committed against tourists in Belize, travellers can minimise their risk by staying vigilant and taking standard safety precautions.

Firearms are the main weapon used in murders in Belize

Belize has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with 21.5 homicides committed per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year's murder rate of 25 per 100,000. While the murder rate in Belize has been on a downward trend over the last decade, the country continues to have a higher homicide rate than the regional average.

While the majority of murder victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, the increasing number of violent crimes against foreigners has become a cause for concern. Most foreign crime victims are targeted for theft, but there have been several cases of foreigners being murdered, often involving drugs, robbery, or business dealings. The recent decline in tourism to Belize may be attributed to both the sargassum and the increasing crime rate.

To address the high rate of firearm-related murders, the UNDP InfoSegura Regional Project, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has implemented a project to strengthen the Belizean government's capacity to formulate evidence-based and people-centered public policies on citizen security. This project represents a qualitative leap in the way security issues and the production of information are addressed, with a multisectoral approach that focuses on gender.

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