First let us start by saying that in all the years we have been attending to the yachts we have never had a problem with the crew, guests or owners encountering a problem ashore, with stuff having been stolen from them, jacked or anything like that.
One problem, which there is though is the tender having been stolen from the stern of the yacht whilst anchored in Belize City. Besides that the only other occurence which affected the crew etc would be beggers asking for money at times.
Belize City is the worst place for crime and stealing, but we have never received any complaints from any of the boats that anyone felt threatened or endangered. Security can be more relaxed once out of Belize City.
Despite Belize’s fairly recent history as a British colony, it is still a developing nation. Crime is a serious and growing problem throughout Belize, particularly in Belize City and remote areas. Theft, muggings, and even violent crimes are on the rise. — {mprestriction ids=”1″}
Bullet Proof Vests
Bullet proof vests must be registered ten days prior to vessel’s arrival if it will be used ashore by your personnel.
The firearms (Amendment) Act No 9 of 2011 makes provision for the registration of bullet proof vests and provides that a person who intends to own or purchase a bullet proof vest shall apply to the commissioner of police to register that bullet proof vest at least 10 days before the date of purchasing or owing.
The application form shall be accompanied with a non-refundable US$50.00, police record and identification documentation.
A person who is found in possession of a bullet proof vest that
- is not registered or
- is registered but not authorized for use by the person in whose possession it is found
commits an offence and is liable on a summary conviction to a fine of US$250.00
Crime
While crime doesn’t seem to be directed towards tourists in particular, muggings are more frequent in Belize City, where a third of Belize’s 320,000 citizens reside.
Organized Crime
Organized crime above the street gang level is primarily connected to drug trafficking or trafficking in persons. The incidence of crime, including violent crimes such as armed robbery, shooting, stabbing, murder, and rape, remains high in concentrated areas of Belize City, although tourist in general are not specifically targeted.
Terrorism and Security
The potential for domestic terrorist activity such as bombings, kidnappings, or hijackings is considered low in Belize. However, gang members and other criminals have used fragmentation grenades and firearms to settle disputes. At least a dozen hand grenades stolen from a military facility remain unaccounted for. No U.S. citizens or other foreign nationals are known to have been the victims or targets of terrorist activity in Belize, nor are tourists believed to be specifically targeted for robbery or other crimes but are instead targets of opportunity. No areas are closed to travel but visitors should exercise caution, particularly in remote areas along the Guatemalan border and adjacency zone and in urban areas.
General Safety
Domestic public buses and taxis are frequently in poor condition and lack basic safety equipment. Many unlicensed taxis are present in Belize and tourists are encouraged to avoid traveling in them; genuine taxis may be identified by their green-colored license plates.
Border Areas
Borders between Belize and Guatemala are in dispute, but the dispute thus far has not affected travel. Visitors should avoid trekking or other activities near the Belize-Guatemala border to ensure that they do not inadvertently cross the border into Guatemala. As illegal cross-border activities increase after nightfall, visitors to the border areas should travel only during daylight areas.
Visits by tourist to the mayan temple of Caracol, which is located near the Guatemalan Border can only be done under escort by the BDF (Belize Defence Force). The BDF escorts are carried out twice daily to this remote area, once in the morning and the later in the afternoon.
Recommendations
Visitors should exercise situational awareness and good judgment while visiting Belize. Belize is definitely a country where a little common sense goes a long way, especially in Belize City. Examples of this is leaving behind the jewelry, only travel in taxis with green license plates or recommended vehicles and don’t flash your cash.
Moving around in two and more is recommended and so is taking cabs at night. Make sure price is arranged before getting aboard. Also whilst in Belize City make sure to pull up your tender at night and if there are security cameras, best keep them rolling.
In 2011/2012 a number of incidents have occurred just east of Dangriga or Stann Creek. In 2011 a number of local fishermen have been attacked. In 2012 the folks aboard a catamaran out of Placencia, which had been chartered by some foreigners and which they were self navigating was attacked and some injuries sustained.
It is our belief that the attackers come out of the Dangriga or Stann Creek area. This is a very poor area. For this reason we high recommend NO OVERNIGHT anchoring near Coco Plum or Tobacco Range. Would also recommend to keeping a lookout during the day time whilst in this area.
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