Belize City's New Road: Safe Passage Or Safety Concern?

Belize is a beautiful country with a coral-fringed Caribbean coastline, verdant jungle interiors, and a cocktail of colourful cultures. However, it consistently ranks high worldwide when it comes to violence due to border tensions with Guatemala and increased drug and human trafficking into Mexico.

Belize City, the former capital, is considered the most dangerous part of the country, with a high incidence of violent crimes such as assault, break-ins, and murder. The US Travel Advisory classifies Belize as a Level 2 country and specifically advises against travelling to Southside Belize City due to gang and drug-related violence.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crimes, it is still advised to exercise caution when visiting Belize, especially when it comes to personal safety and securing valuables. Driving in Belize can also be intimidating due to poor road conditions and reckless drivers.

Violent crime is common in Belize City, even in daylight and tourist areas

Belize is a beautiful country with a coral-fringed Caribbean coastline, verdant jungle interiors, and a cocktail of colorful cultures. However, it has consistently ranked high worldwide when it comes to violence due to border tensions with Guatemala and increased drug and human trafficking into Mexico via Belize.

To stay safe in Belize City, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and not to physically resist any robbery attempts. It is also advisable to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs and not to display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.

In addition to violent crime, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is also common in Belize. Criminals often target tourists, including at resorts, and operate in groups. It is important to keep your belongings secure at all times and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crime in Belize, crimes have been increasing in tourist areas in recent years. This is believed to be due to the large disparity between the rich and the poor. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety precautions and stay vigilant when visiting Belize City and other tourist areas in the country.

Local police lack the resources and training to respond to serious criminal incidents

Belize's law enforcement is conducted by the Belize Police Department, which is headquartered in Belmopan and headed by a Commissioner. The police force is divided into two main branches: Operational and Administrative. The Operational branch includes the Anti-Drug Unit and Uniformed Operations, which consists of Community Policing, the Special Patrol Unit, and the National Traffic Branch. The Administrative branch includes the National Prosecuting Branch, Planning Unit and Inspections, and the Police Information and Technology unit (PITU).

The police force has a ratio of about three police officers to every 1,000 inhabitants. Officers undergo a sixteen-week training program at the Police Training School in Belmopan, where they 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.

However, the police in Belize lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. The country has been ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for homicides due to its small population and high murder rate per capita. While most murders and gang-related violence occur in the south side of Belize City, the rest of the country has also seen an increase in violent crime.

The police force in Belize suffers from several issues, including low conviction rates and a lack of sufficient prevention resources to reduce crime and violence sustainably. Belize's law enforcement is also hampered by limited funds, poor training and equipment, and a lack of personnel. The judiciary faces additional challenges, such as an inefficient court system, poor case management, and insufficient numbers of trained prosecutors and judges.

As a result, Belize's law enforcement agencies may struggle to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, particularly those involving gang activity or violent crimes. The police's ability to conduct complex investigations, prosecute criminals, and reduce the overall crime rate is impacted by these resource and training constraints.

Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize City

The police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, it is possible to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is recommended that visitors to Belize City exercise caution, particularly when travelling south of the Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of gang violence in Belize City, it is advisable to avoid travelling at night, remain aware of your surroundings at all times, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.

Driving in Belize can be dangerous due to poor road conditions, reckless drivers, and pedestrians

While some sources claim that driving in Belize is safe, others highlight several risks that travellers should be aware of. The country's roads vary from well-maintained highways to unpaved, pothole-ridden paths. The Hummingbird, Northern, and Western Highways are generally considered to be in good condition, but roads such as the Coastal Highway and Hopkins Road are known for their poor state, with the latter currently undergoing reconstruction.

Belize's low population density of about one person per 36 square miles means that, outside of settlements, drivers may not encounter another car for over an hour. However, within towns and cities, traffic can be dense and chaotic, especially in Belize City, which is considered the most dangerous place in the country. Here, narrow, maze-like streets, one-way alleys, and heavy pedestrian traffic can make driving challenging and stressful.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and while violent crimes usually do not target tourists, they are still a concern, especially in Belize City. Additionally, speeding buses, drunk drivers, and pedestrians crossing without warning pose risks on the roads.

To stay safe while driving in Belize, it is recommended to avoid driving at night due to poor lighting and increased hazards, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and loose animals. Drivers should also be cautious of unmarked speed bumps, known locally as "sleeping policemen," which can be found near towns and villages. Staying alert and adhering to the speed limits and traffic rules are also essential for a safe driving experience in Belize.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Belize

Pickpocketing and purse snatching are crimes of opportunity, so be aware of your belongings and your personal safety in crowded areas. Be extra cautious of people following you.

In Belize City, muggings and assaults are more likely to happen at night, so take a taxi with green licence plates after dark and don't walk around alone. Most incidents in Belize City occur around George Street and Kraal Road, but it's important to not let your guard down anywhere else. If confronted by an assailant, don't resist.

Outside of Belize City, thieves do lurk around tourist sites, so be vigilant in places such as San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. The worst threat in these places is the theft of bags on buses, so keep your luggage with you at all times.

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