Exploring Bolivia's Crime Rates: Is It Safe To Visit?

Bolivia is a country with a diverse geography and ethnic makeup, and it is the most indigenous country in the Americas. It has a homicide rate of 63 murders per 1,000,000 people, with 686 reported homicides in 2016. The country has a problem with drug crimes, particularly cocaine, and there are strict laws and penalties for trafficking and possession. Bolivia also has issues with violent crimes such as assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping, as well as property crimes like theft and vandalism. Common travel scams in the country include the spilled substance scam, the fake police scam, and the false tourist scam. While the country has its dangers, many women have travelled to Bolivia and had positive experiences, but it is recommended to take precaution measures, especially when travelling alone at night.

Violent crime

Bolivia has a homicide rate of 63 murders per 1,000,000 people, with 686 reported homicides in 2016. In 2012, the murder rate was higher, at 121 per 1,000,000 people, with a total of 1,270 murders.

Domestic violence is a serious and underreported issue in Bolivia. The number of reported domestic violence cases increased by 37% between 2007 and 2011. A study by the Pan American Health Organization, which was conducted in 12 Latin American countries, found that Bolivia had the highest prevalence of domestic violence against women.

Bolivia is a popular destination for backpackers in South America, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is common. This is especially true in areas frequented by tourists, such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, and Oruro, and during festivals. Thefts at ATMs are also becoming more common and often result in assaults. To reduce the risk of being attacked, it is recommended that people avoid withdrawing cash at night and in isolated locations.

Express kidnappings are another concern in Bolivia, where foreigners are targeted, taken hostage, and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. These crimes often involve taxi drivers who are accomplices to the criminals. Tourists are advised to use reputable cab companies and to be cautious in specific areas, such as Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, which is known for drug and alcohol-related issues.

Scams are also prevalent in Bolivia, including the "spilled substance" scam, where thieves work in pairs to distract and rob unsuspecting tourists. The "fake police" scam involves criminals posing as police officers and demanding bribes or stealing identification. Tourists should be cautious when approached by people claiming to be police officers and should verify their identity by asking for a warrant and contacting their embassy.

Petty crime

Thefts at ATMs are becoming more common, often resulting in assaults, so it is recommended to avoid withdrawing cash at night or in isolated locations. Tourist sites such as Rurrenabaque have also become popular among thieves who target lone travellers taking motorbike taxis, so extra caution is advised when visiting these areas.

Scams are another issue in Bolivia, with criminals employing tactics such as the "spilled substance" scam, where a stranger will spill something on you and another person will offer to help clean you up, stealing your valuables in the process. The "fake police" scam involves criminals posing as police officers and targeting foreigners, demanding payment of a fine or identification which they then steal. Tourists should also be wary of "false tourists", who will try to befriend and then rob them.

It is important to always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings when visiting Bolivia, and to use reputable cab companies to avoid being kidnapped, as this is a common occurrence.

Drug crime

Drug-related crimes have been a significant issue in Bolivia, with the country being the third-largest cocaine producer globally. The narcotics trade in Bolivia centres around the coca crop, which is processed into cocaine. In the 1980s, coca was Bolivia's most lucrative crop and economic activity, with the country being the second-largest grower of coca worldwide. While efforts to eradicate coca cultivation began in 1983, the industry has continued to thrive due to its economic appeal to farmers and the involvement of powerful criminal organisations.

The history of narcotics trafficking in Bolivia is marked by violence and corruption. In the late 1980s, Colombian cartels, such as the Medellín Cartel, held considerable power and were known for their use of assassins to terrorise the drug underworld. Drug barons established fiefdoms and used bribes and assassinations to destroy local authority. This period also saw an increase in narcoterrorism, with attacks targeting the US presence, the judiciary, and anti-drug agents.

The Bolivian government has implemented policies to address the drug issue, such as the "Plan Dignidad" in 1997, which focused on eradication, interdiction, countering money laundering, and implementing social programs. However, critics noted that the plan lacked a strong focus on trafficking organisations. Since 2004, the government has also implemented a policy of voluntary participation by farmers in coca-growing regions, allowing them to grow a limited amount of coca per year. This strategy relies on the ability of coca growers' federations to enforce the agreement, and penalties for violations can be severe, including land seizures. As a result of this policy, coca cultivation decreased by 12% between 2010 and 2011.

Despite these efforts, Bolivia continues to be a transit country for drug trafficking, serving as a gateway for drugs destined for Brazil, Paraguay, Europe, and Northern Africa. Mexican and Colombian cartels operate within the country, and Brazilian gangs control the traffic into their country and shipments to Europe. The country's porous borders, weak institutions, and corruption facilitate the drug trade. Additionally, the production, distribution, and sale of synthetic drugs, such as "Chinese LSD," have also gained a foothold in Bolivia, particularly in bars and nightclubs in Cochabamba and elite high schools.

To combat drug crimes, Bolivia has strict laws and penalties for drug trafficking and possession. Offenders face a minimum prison sentence of eight years, and cocaine consumption and trafficking are illegal. However, the country's justice system has been criticised for its handling of organised crime cases, with a lack of independence in investigations and a common practice of heads of state institutions taking a percentage of the value of public contracts.

Scams

Bolivia has a low crime rate compared to other South American countries, but crime-fighting statistics are deficient, so the true crime rate may be higher. Petty crime, like pickpocketing and theft, is common, especially in popular tourist destinations such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, and Oruro, and during festival times. Violent crime is also a problem, with express kidnappings and assaults occurring.

Taxi Scams

• Taxi drivers pretending your chosen accommodation is full or bad and recommending more expensive options.
• Not agreeing on a price and currency before getting into the taxi, and then being overcharged.
• Taxi drivers using large bills as an advantage when passengers don't have small change.
• Taxi drivers working with criminals to rob passengers.

Fake Police

Criminals posing as police officers, with uniforms and realistic-looking identification, "arresting" foreigners for supposed drug trafficking and demanding payment of a fine or identification, which they steal. They may also have false building fronts that look like police stations.

Spilled Substance Scam

A stranger will "accidentally" spill something on you, and another person will offer to help clean it up, while also stealing your valuables.

False Tourist Scam

A friendly "tourist" will approach and try to befriend you, then suggest going to a friend's home, where you will likely be kidnapped and robbed. There is also a variation of this scam where fake police officers are involved and your belongings are confiscated.

ATM Scam

Someone will approach you at an ATM and offer to help you avoid local bank fees, but their true intention is to scan your card and steal your PIN to drain your account.

Friendly Bar Friends

Two friendly locals of the opposite sex will make small talk and lead you to believe there is mutual interest. They will then suggest going for a drink at a bar they are partners with, where you will be overcharged and possibly forced to withdraw cash to pay the bill.

White Paste Scam

While walking in the street, someone will throw white paste on your shoulder, pretending it is bird poop. A "friendly" local will offer to help clean it up while pickpocketing you.

Street Performer Scam

A street performer with three boxes will ask people to guess which box a ball is placed in. While people are focused on the game, their valuables are stolen.

Border Crossing Scams

• Not receiving the migration stamp when entering Bolivia and having to pay a fine when leaving.
• Being charged a fake fine for not having the additional migratory form upon entry.
• Officers finding "pornographic content" on your phone when leaving Bolivia and making you pay a fine.
• Straightforward bribes being demanded by officers.

Homicide

Intentional homicides in Bolivia are often the result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence, and predatory violence by armed groups. Domestic violence is a serious and underreported problem in the country, with a 37% increase in reported cases between 2007 and 2011. A study by the Pan American Health Organization found the highest prevalence of domestic violence against women in Bolivia among 12 Latin American countries.

Express kidnappings are also a concern in Bolivia, with criminals targeting foreigners, holding them hostage, and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. These crimes often occur in La Paz, specifically in areas such as Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humboldt, and Plaza Isabel La Católica. Tourists are advised to use reputable cab companies and avoid high-risk areas to reduce the risk of becoming victims of these crimes.

The Bolivian government has implemented policies to address the homicide rate and other crimes. Since 2004, they have worked with coca growers' federations to reduce coca cultivation, which has resulted in a 12% decrease in the number of hectares cultivated between 2010 and 2011. These efforts are aimed at combating drug-related crimes and improving public safety.

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