Belize Crime: Why So High?

Belize is a small country with a very low population density. While it is an increasingly popular eco-tourism destination, it has been named one of the worst countries in the world for homicides. The country has a high crime rate, with violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder occurring even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang violence, particularly in Belize City, is a significant contributor to the high crime rate. While crimes against tourists are less common, they do occur, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively.

Gang violence in Belize City

Belize has been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, and violent crime is common during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang violence is a significant issue, particularly in Belize City, with the south side of the city being especially dangerous and known for its gang conflicts and shootings.

In March 2024, authorities placed parts of south Belize City under a state of emergency due to an increase in gang violence. The state of emergency gave enhanced powers of arrest, seizure, and detention, and the government considered deploying military support. The state of emergency was scheduled to last until April 26 but could be extended or expanded.

To address the issue of gang violence in Belize City, the government has implemented measures such as increasing police presence and authority and declaring a state of emergency in the most affected areas. However, the police force in Belize is often understaffed and poorly equipped, limiting their ability to respond to crimes.

High homicide rate

Belize has long been considered a dangerous place for foreigners, with the US State Department advising travellers to "exercise increased caution" due to violent crime. The country has consistently been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, with a murder rate of 25.6 per 100,000 people in 2022, and 21.5 per 100,000 in 2023. While the murder rate is trending downwards, it is still far higher than the regional average of 18.3 per 100,000.

The majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, but there has been an increase in crimes against tourists and expats in recent years. Gang violence is a significant contributor to the high homicide rate, with Belize City, particularly the south side, being a hotspot for criminal activity. Firearms are the primary weapon used in murders, with eight out of ten murders committed with a gun.

Young people are the primary victims of homicide in Belize, with two in five victims aged between 18 and 29. While the overall number of murders decreased in 2022, other major crimes, including sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse, increased significantly. Reported instances of rape doubled, and unlawful sexual intercourse rose by 30.4%.

The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which limits their ability to respond to crimes. As a result, many crimes go unsolved, contributing to the high homicide rate. The country's proximity to the Guatemala border also presents challenges in solving crimes, as criminals can easily flee across the border.

Sexual violence and crimes against women and girls

Belize has a legal obligation to protect women and girls from domestic violence and sexual violence, including sexual harassment. The state is required to put the necessary legal and administrative mechanisms in place to protect women and girls from these forms of violence and to provide them with access to just and effective remedies.

Belize ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1990 and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women in 1996. The Constitution of Belize 1981 is the supreme law and guards the human rights of all persons within the country, holding the state accountable for any violations.

The Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act 2007, the Criminal Code "2000 Rev", and the Protection Against Sexual Harassment Act 1996 "2000 Rev" are the laws that address gender-based violence in Belize. The Criminal Code defines rape as "the carnal knowledge of a female of any age without her consent", with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of eight years. Marital rape is also recognised under the law, with similar penalties.

In 2021, there was a 2% decline in the number of domestic violence reports documented by the Belize Police Department compared to 2020. However, in 2022, crimes that affect women and girls, such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse, increased noticeably. Reported instances of rape doubled, while unlawful sexual intercourse rose by 30.4%.

Drug running at the Mexican border

Belize's proximity to Mexico, its porous borders, and its small yet well-positioned landmass make it an attractive gateway for drug trafficking. The country's limited security capabilities, including a lack of radar systems and basic military hardware, make it difficult to monitor and defend its borders effectively. This situation has made Belize a significant transit point for narcotics, particularly cocaine, en route to the United States.

Drug trafficking organizations, particularly Mexican cartels, exploit Belize's geographical advantages and vulnerabilities to smuggle drugs into the country via light aircraft and ultra-fast boats. These trafficking networks have also corrupted some members of the security forces, facilitating their illegal activities. The country's northern regions, near the Mexican border, have been identified as drug trafficking hotspots, with illegal airstrips and farm roads used for drug flights from Venezuela and Colombia.

The impact of drug trafficking on Belize is profound. It fuels gang violence, contributes to the country's high homicide rate, and erodes the rule of law. The abundance of cocaine in Belize, often used as payment for local contacts, has been linked to escalating gang violence in Belize City. Additionally, the country's security forces have been implicated in drug trafficking activities, with instances of police blocking traffic and assisting in the landing of drug shipments.

Belize's inclusion on the U.S. "black list" of major drug-producing or transit countries underscores the significant role it plays in the regional drug trade. The country's status as a transit hub has led to concerns about the influence of drug cartels on its political and business elites. While U.S. officials have provided security assistance and funding, the country continues to struggle with the challenges posed by drug trafficking and the associated increase in crime.

Police force limitations

Belize's police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, limiting their ability to respond to criminal incidents effectively. They lack the necessary resources and training to tackle serious crimes, which has resulted in most crimes remaining unresolved and unprosecuted.

The police presence in tourist areas is often inadequate, leaving visitors vulnerable to crimes such as burglary, pickpocketing, and theft. While crimes against tourists are taken seriously, the police's limited capabilities hinder their ability to provide timely and effective responses.

Belize City, particularly the south side, has been identified as an area of concern. This region has a history of gang-related violence and has been designated a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State. The local police struggle to curb the high crime rate in this area, and it is advised that travellers avoid it altogether.

The police force's limitations are a significant factor contributing to the high crime rate in Belize, particularly regarding violent crimes and gang activity. The lack of resources and training hinders their ability to prevent, respond to, and resolve criminal incidents effectively. As a result, Belize continues to grapple with a high incidence of crime, posing risks to both locals and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions