Belize Vs. Los Angeles: Navigating The Urban And Natural Crime Landscape

Belize and Los Angeles are two very different places, but both have their dangers. Belize is a Central American country with a population of around 400,000, while Los Angeles is a large city in the US with a population of nearly four million. Belize is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful cayes and coral reefs, and diverse cultures, while Los Angeles is known for its urban environment, Hollywood, and beaches.

In terms of safety, both places have their issues. Belize has a high rate of violent crime, particularly in Belize City, due to gang violence. The US State Department suggests increased caution in Belize due to crime, and Canada urges travelers to exercise a significant degree of caution as well. The south side of Belize City is especially dangerous and should be avoided. However, tourists typically spend their time in safer areas of the country, and violent crimes in Belize rarely target visitors. Petty theft is a more common issue in Belize, and tourists should be vigilant about protecting their valuables.

Los Angeles also has a high rate of violent crime, including gang activity and homeless issues. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in shootings, robberies, and property crimes. However, as with Belize, tourists in Los Angeles typically stick to safer areas and are not often the targets of violent crimes. That being said, petty theft and property crimes can be an issue in tourist areas, and visitors should take precautions to protect their belongings.

So, is Belize more dangerous than Los Angeles? It's hard to say definitively. Both places have their risks, and it ultimately depends on where specifically you are going and what you are doing. Taking common-sense precautions and being aware of your surroundings can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime in either place.

Gang activity in Belize and Los Angeles

Los Angeles has been dubbed the "gang capital" of the US, with more than 450 active gangs in the city alone. The membership of these gangs totals over 45,000 individuals, and gang membership has continued to increase over the past five years. The narcotics trade is a major factor contributing to the rise in gang activity, with rival gangs competing for market share. In the last three years, there have been over 16,398 verified violent gang crimes in Los Angeles, including homicides, felony assaults, robberies, and rapes.

Belize, on the other hand, has a reputation for gang violence primarily in Belize City, where an estimated 90% of all crimes in the country occur. The country's small population relative to its land area means that it has a remarkably high homicide rate, with 39 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Domestic gangs are the main source of violence, engaging in local drug trafficking and robberies. However, the presence of Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups has also been established in the country, taking advantage of its borders with Mexico and Guatemala, as well as its heavy jungle areas. Belize's security forces are often underfunded and poorly trained, and both the police force and justice system are widely regarded as corrupt and inefficient. This has led to low levels of public confidence, resulting in crimes going unreported and perpetrators unpunished.

While gang activity is prevalent in both Los Angeles and Belize, the scale and impact differ. Los Angeles has a larger number of gangs and gang members, with a wider range of violent crimes committed. Belize, on the other hand, has a higher homicide rate and a more prominent issue with drug trafficking due to its geographical position and the involvement of transnational criminal groups. Additionally, the ineffectiveness and corruption of Belize's security forces and justice system contribute to a perception of impunity for gang-related crimes.

Violent crime in Belize and Los Angeles

Belize and Los Angeles have both experienced issues with violent crime. However, the nature and frequency of these crimes differ between the two locations.

Violent Crime in Belize

Belize has a reputation for violent crime and consistently ranks highly worldwide for its homicide rate. In 2021, the country's homicide rate was 31.25 per 100,000 people, a 20.98% increase from 2020. While the rate decreased to 25.6 per 100,000 people in 2022, it remains above the regional average of 18.3. Young people are the primary victims of homicide, with two in five victims aged between 18 and 29. Firearms are the main weapon used in these crimes, with eight in ten murders committed with a gun.

Belize City, in particular, has a reputation for violent crime due to gang violence. However, tourists are rarely the target of such crimes. Most tourists instead venture to Belize's mainland or cayes and atolls, where the socio-economic situation is better and crime rates are lower. While violent crimes against tourists are uncommon, there have been a few incidents involving American expats.

Violent Crime in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, is also dealing with violent crime. In 2022, the city's violent crime rate was 8.38 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the state of California's rate of 4.99 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Los Angeles are 1 in 119, compared to 1 in 200 statewide.

In 2023, the number of homicide victims in Los Angeles decreased to 327, down from 392 in 2022. During the same period, the number of people who died in traffic collisions surpassed the number of homicide victims for the first time in nine years. The city also saw a decrease in shooting victims, with 127 fewer victims in 2023 than in 2022, a 10% drop.

While Los Angeles has a high violent crime rate compared to other U.S. cities, certain neighbourhoods are considered safer than others. These include the University of California Los Angeles, Bell Canyon, Mulholland Park, Deer Lake Highlands, and Castellammare. These areas tend to be more affluent and have a heavier police and security presence.

Tourist safety in Belize and Los Angeles

Belize

Belize is a Central American country with a rich natural landscape, from its coral-fringed Caribbean coastline to its vast forests and cave systems. It is also known for its diverse culture and growing tourism industry. However, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns when visiting Belize.

Belize has a high level of violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which can occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related violence is a significant issue, particularly in Southside Belize City, where a state of emergency was declared in June 2024 due to high crime levels. This area is known for gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. It is advised to avoid non-essential travel to this region.

Tourists are not usually the targets of violent crimes, but it is still important to take precautions. It is recommended to avoid walking or driving at night, be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and not to display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery. Additionally, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are also common, and criminals often target tourists, even at resorts. It is advised to keep your belongings secure at all times and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

When it comes to transportation, it is recommended to avoid using public buses and taxis, as they are considered unsafe. Instead, opt for water taxis or ferries when travelling between the cayes and the mainland. If you must use a taxi, take noted of the driver's name and plate number, and never share a taxi with strangers.

Belize also has a range of natural hazards to be aware of, including hurricanes, flooding, and dangerous coastal waters. It is important to stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities during natural disasters.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States, is a popular tourist destination known for its glitz, glamour, and cultural attractions. However, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns when visiting LA.

Overall, Los Angeles is considered a medium-risk destination, with a range of safety challenges, including crime and natural disasters. The city has a high rate of assault, with 463.3 incidents per 100,000 people, and theft is the most common crime. While violent crimes such as rape and robbery have decreased in recent years, there has been an increase in "follow-home" robberies, where individuals are followed home and brutally attacked.

When it comes to transportation, the Metro has a low-risk rating, mainly due to the unpredictability of the passengers. It is recommended to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions when using the Metro. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and considered lower risk.

Pickpocketing is also a concern in Los Angeles, so it is important to keep your valuables out of plain sight and secure your belongings, especially in busy tourist areas.

Natural disasters, such as wildfires and earthquakes, pose a medium risk. It is important to stay informed about weather conditions and follow local guidance in the event of a natural disaster.

Additionally, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, as scams and aggressive behaviour are common. It is recommended to avoid interacting with strangers on the street and not to wear expensive jewellery or display signs of wealth.

Both Belize and Los Angeles offer a range of exciting tourist attractions but also come with their own set of safety concerns. By being aware of the potential risks, staying vigilant, and taking necessary precautions, tourists can minimise their chances of encountering problems and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Drug trade in Belize and Los Angeles

Belize is a small, sparsely populated country with a weak military and police force. It has been recognised as a common transit zone for human trafficking and narcotics trafficking. Its northern neighbour, Mexico, its southern neighbour, Honduras, and Guatemala on its western border all have high levels of drug-related violence. Belize's physical location and the increasing violence in Mexico and Guatemala make it an ideal transshipment point to the U.S. market.

Belize's capital, Belize City, has a reputation for petty and violent crime due to gang violence. However, not all of Belize City is dangerous. The country's wealthiest people live there, and the tourism police heavily patrol some areas to ensure safety, such as the tourism village, various tourist attractions, and downtown Albert Street.

Belize's response to the drug problem has been to adopt a hardline, militaristic approach, similar to the U.S.-led 'War on Drugs' in Mexico and Guatemala. This approach has been criticised as ineffective and flawed, and it has arguably failed in Mexico and Guatemala. Belize has turned to its allies, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., to help strengthen its military and police force. The U.S. has increased its involvement in Belize, deploying troops to train Belizean troops to effectively patrol rivers, destroy clandestine airstrips, and turn over urban villages that have been seized by gangs.

Canada has also increased its involvement in Belize, engaging in several operations to build Belizean police and military capabilities. For example, beginning in 2009, Canada invested more than $2 million USD to improve Belize's national forensic centre and its defence force.

In Los Angeles, the pandemic has hit the drug trade hard. With most retail shops closed, drug-trafficking organisations have struggled to launder their money and funnel it back to the cartel bosses in Mexico. The DEA has seized more than $9.5 million in cartel cash since March 2020. The pandemic has also disrupted the global supply chain, resulting in a severe shortage of popular drugs like crystal meth.

Police response in Belize and Los Angeles

Belize has consistently ranked highly worldwide for violence, with violent crime on the rise, especially in urban areas like Belize City. The country has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and it is advised that travellers exercise caution when travelling to the south side of Belize City.

The local police in Belize have been described as lacking the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. The police have the right to stop and search without warning in certain areas, and there are police checkpoints dotted around the country.

In Los Angeles, crime has increased since the early 2020s, reversing a general downward trend. The city is patrolled by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The LAPD has been criticised for under-reporting crime, making the city appear safer than it is.

The LAPD has a history of corruption and misconduct, including the Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, which involved unprovoked shootings, beatings, evidence tampering, and drug dealing. The LAPD has also struggled to control civil unrest and riots, such as the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which occurred after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers of using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King. The riots resulted in 63 deaths, 2,383 injuries, and over $1 billion in property damage.

Both Belize and Los Angeles have issues with gang violence and lack of police resources. However, the LAPD has been more effective in recent years in reducing violent crime, despite issues with corruption and under-reporting. In Belize, the police lack the necessary resources and training to effectively combat the high levels of violent crime, and most crimes go unresolved.

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