Belize's Crime Wave: A Troubling Trend

Belize is a small country in Central America known for its beautiful jungles and islands, attracting many tourists each year. However, it has been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. While the Caribbean islands of Belize are relatively safe, crime is a severe problem in the country. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murders are common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Belize City, particularly the Southside, is known for its gang-related violence and should be avoided. Tourists are generally vulnerable to theft and other crimes of opportunity, but most violent crime victims are Belizeans themselves. While crimes against tourists are taken seriously, the police force is often understaffed and poorly equipped.

Belize City's Southside is a hub for 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, in particular the area south of Haulover Creek, known as Southside, is a hub for gang activity and associated crimes.

Gang violence in Belize has increased dramatically in recent years, with gangs gaining increased access to guns. This has heightened the risk of gang recruitment among young people and exposed the weaknesses of the government's response to the issue. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected.

Domestic gangs operating mainly in Belize City are responsible for much of the country's violence, including local drug trafficking and robberies. However, the country's involvement in the international drug trade has also attracted Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups to the area.

The south side of Belize City has gained a reputation as an area to be avoided due to its high levels of gang activity and associated crimes. The Belize government has recognised the severity of the situation, and in 2018, it declared a state of emergency in two Southside communities, with plans to increase police presence and authority.

To address the broader issue of gang violence in the country, a government-sponsored assessment was conducted to explore violent crime incident reports, local demographic data, interviews with gang members and professionals who interact with them, and surveys of youth, community residents, teachers, and parents. The assessment concluded with recommendations for future strategies to reduce gang-related violence in Belize City and highlighted the need for a sustained and coordinated response across agencies.

Murders and violent crimes are common in daylight and tourist areas

Belize is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful jungles and islands attracting many visitors each year. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, with the U.S. State Department and the Government of Canada advising travellers to exercise caution when visiting the country.

While crimes against tourists do occur, they are not the primary targets of violent crimes. However, tourists are often victims of theft and scams. Common dangers in tourist areas include burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft. Additionally, cruise ship visitors have been targeted by scammers offering to sell them drugs, only to be set up for arrest and subjected to heavy fines and penalties.

The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, limiting their ability to respond to crimes effectively. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. As a result, travellers are advised to take precautions and be vigilant when visiting Belize, especially in known high-crime areas such as the south side of Belize City.

Despite the high crime rate, many travellers have enjoyable and incident-free trips to Belize, especially in the Caribbean islands off the coast, which have much lower crime rates. However, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary safety precautions when visiting Belize to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Crimes against women and girls are on the rise

Crimes against women and girls are a significant issue in Belize, with reports of sexual violence, unlawful sexual intercourse, and femicide on the rise. In 2021, the UNDP Infosegura team analysed violence against women in Belize, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and femicide, using data from official sources such as the Belize Police Department and the Belize Crime Observatory.

In 2022, instances of rape increased by 100%, and unlawful sexual intercourse rose by 30.4%. While the number of homicides decreased, with 12 fewer homicides than in 2021, major crimes such as violent robbery and burglary increased. This indicates a worrying trend in crimes targeting women and girls.

Belize has been consistently named one of the worst countries in the world for homicides, and violent crimes like home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are common during daylight hours and in tourist areas. While gang violence is mainly centred in Belize City, it is not limited to this area. The country's police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which limits their ability to respond to crimes against women and girls effectively.

Sexual harassment, such as catcalling and stares, is also prevalent in Belize, especially on beaches and islands. Sexual harassment by taxi drivers has been reported, and women are advised to avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from unknown individuals. Women travelling alone are particularly vulnerable, and it is not recommended, even if accompanied by another female companion.

To address the rise in crimes against women and girls, Belize has implemented initiatives such as the UNDP InfoSegura Regional Project, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This project aims to strengthen government capacities to formulate evidence-based, people-centred public policies on citizen security. However, more needs to be done to protect women and girls from violence and ensure their safety in Belize.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world

The majority of violent crimes in Belize are gang-related and occur in Belize City, particularly in the Southside area. Tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, but anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected. Violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, commonly occur during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

In addition to the high rate of violent crime, Belize also has a problem with petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing, which often target tourists and expatriates. It is recommended that tourists take precautions such as using ATMs in well-lit areas, keeping valuables out of sight, and being aware of their surroundings.

While the Caribbean islands of Belize are generally safer than the mainland, there have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. It is important for visitors to be vigilant and follow safety advice from local authorities and their hotels.

The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which limits their ability to respond to serious criminal incidents. As a result, most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Tourists are vulnerable to theft and scams

Tourists are particularly vulnerable to theft and scams in Belize. Crimes against visitors are taken seriously, but the police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, limiting their ability to respond.

The U.S. Embassy has noted an increase in crimes against tourists at resorts and on roads and riverways. While there is no evidence that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, foreigners are targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Incidents of theft, burglary, purse-snatching, and pickpocketing increase during the winter holidays and spring break.

Confidence scams also occur in Belize, especially in resort areas. Tourists are vulnerable to these crimes, which can result in visitors being pickpocketed or robbed. More serious crimes have included armed robbery, physical assault, and being swindled out of large sums of money through fraudulent real estate and land sales or other business deals.

There have also been several reports of tourists being "set up" or solicited to purchase illegal drugs. The tourist is then arrested and subjected to heavy penalties and jail time.

To avoid being a victim of theft or scams, tourists should use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware that wearing expensive jewellery could attract attention.

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