Belize City's Safety Secrets: Unveiling The Truth Behind The Tourism

Belize is not considered the safest destination for tourists, with violent and petty crime being a common occurrence. However, tourists will mostly be spending their time in much safer areas than the hotspot for gang activity and violent crime, Belize City.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level Two travel advisory for the country, and a Level Three advisory for Belize City, recommending that citizens avoid non-essential travel to the area. The New Zealand government has also advised its citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting Belize.

Violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common in Belize, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of this is gang-related, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Tourists are not usually targeted by gang violence, but it is still advised to exercise caution when travelling to the south side of Belize City.

Gang-related violence

Gang members in Belize City often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes between gangs occur frequently as they attempt to gain control over territories for illegal activities. The police have limited capacity to respond to these incidents effectively, and many crimes remain unsolved.

While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is advised that visitors to Belize City maintain an elevated level of vigilance and reduce their exposure to crime-related risks by practicing good safety and security measures. This includes being aware of your surroundings at all times, avoiding travelling after dark, and not displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery.

In addition to gang-related violence, Belize City also experiences other forms of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

Petty theft

• Be aware of your surroundings: Stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and crowded areas, and be cautious in popular tourist areas as tourists are often targeted for petty theft.
• Avoid wearing valuable items: Do not wear any expensive jewellery or watches, and try not to flash your phone around. Keep your valuables out of sight and secure at all times.
• Use ATMs in secure locations: Only use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses.
• Use authorised taxis: Take taxis, especially at night, and ensure they have green license plates, indicating they are authorised. Ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you if possible.
• Keep your hotel room secure: Always lock your hotel room door, even when inside, and use the room safe to store valuables.
• Cooperate with thieves: If confronted by a thief, it is best to cooperate and hand over your valuables. Your safety is more important than your possessions.
• Be cautious on public transport: Keep your valuables secure at all times, especially on crowded "chicken buses". Avoid night buses if possible as theft is more common.
• Avoid leaving items unattended: Never leave your belongings unattended, especially on beaches or in other tourist areas.
• Carry a spare wallet: Carry a wallet with a small amount of cash, and keep the rest of your valuables locked up in your accommodation.
• Buy travel insurance: Invest in travel insurance to protect yourself in case of theft or loss.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The country is located in the path of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, making it vulnerable to atmospheric disasters. The hurricane season in Belize typically runs from June to November, and during this period, the country is at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms that can cause extensive damage and losses.

Belize has experienced several significant hurricanes throughout its history. Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes, with eight classified as major hurricanes, that have made landfall or caused damage to the country. The 1931 Hurricane, which made landfall in Belize City, is the deadliest in the country's history, claiming approximately 2,500 lives. Other notable hurricanes include Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which led to the relocation of the capital city to Belmopan, and more recent hurricanes such as Keith in 2000, Iris in 2001, Dean in 2007, and Earl in 2016. These hurricanes have resulted in loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and significant economic losses, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.

In addition to hurricanes, Belize is also vulnerable to flooding and drought. Certain areas of the country, such as the western and southern regions, experience frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall. The impact of these natural disasters is often exacerbated by factors such as poverty, environmental degradation, and the location of communities in disaster-prone areas.

To mitigate the risks and impacts of natural disasters, Belize has implemented various strategies and established organizations such as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to safeguard its population and protect its tourism industry. However, the country continues to face challenges in reducing its vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, and other atmospheric disasters.

Violent crime

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Violent crime, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, is a concern in Belize. The most violent crimes that happen in the country are related to rival gangs battling for territory. While few incidents of violent crime are targeted at foreigners, when they do occur, they can be extremely dangerous.

Belize City

Belize City, the former capital and largest city in the country, has a homicide rate of 105.1 per 100,000 people, making it one of the cities with the highest homicide rates in the world. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 advisory for Belize City, recommending that U.S. citizens avoid travelling there. The south side of Belize City, in particular, has historically been the site of much of the country's violent crime and is gang-related.

Gang Activity

Local gangs are the primary drivers of violent crime in Belize, with at least 40 street gangs operating in the country, eight of which are the most powerful. These gangs are so powerful that they control entire parts of Belize City that even the police are afraid to enter. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs try to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

Safety Advice

To stay safe from violent crime in Belize, it is recommended to:

• Exercise increased caution and follow local authorities' advice.
• Avoid non-essential travel to certain regions, especially gang-ridden areas like the south side of Belize City.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Avoid wearing or displaying valuables such as jewellery or expensive watches that can attract attention.
• Avoid walking or travelling alone at night.
• Stay in well-lit and populated areas.
• Use only licensed and authorized transportation, such as taxis with green license plates.
• Keep your belongings secure and out of sight.
• Avoid resisting any robbery attempts and comply with the demands.
• Enroll in a travel safety program, such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.

Police capacity to respond to crime

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime is common throughout the country, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The Belize Police Department is the country's national police force, and it is divided into two main branches: Operational and Administrative. The police force has approximately 500 officers, or about three police officers for every 1,000 inhabitants.

The police's capacity to respond to crime is limited by a lack of resources and training. Investigations can take several weeks, and most crimes remain unsolved and unprosecuted. Conviction rates are low, and the government is unable to dedicate sufficient resources to crime prevention. Belize's law enforcement agencies are also hampered by limited funds, poor training and equipment, and a lack of personnel.

The police force is divided into three operational branches: General Duties, Crime Investigation, and Tactical Service. The Tactical Service was formed in 1978 and assumed the non-military responsibilities of the Police Special Force, which was incorporated into the Belize Defence Force. The police undergo training at the Police Training School in Belmopan, where recruits study general police duties and procedures, criminal law, evidence, traffic management, and firearms. Senior police officers attend a ten-week command course run by the British police in Britain.

The Belize Police Department is working to improve its capacity to respond to crime. With assistance from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the police are enhancing their ability to disrupt and deter trafficking and use intelligence-driven operations to target, investigate, and prosecute organized crime. The U.S. government also provides technical assistance to improve the police's capacity to secure Belize's borders, investigate and prosecute financial crimes, and implement reforms to improve the efficiency of its courts.

Frequently asked questions