Hatillos Traffic Lights The Most Dangerous
The traffic lights in Los Hatillos on the southwest side of has become one of the worst intersections in San José. And not for traffic accidents, but rather for the high number of assaults.

The traffic lights of Hatillo 4, 6 and 8 on the Circunvalación (ring road) have become a haven for thieves who frequently assualt drivers while waiting for the light to change.

According to a Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) and Fuerza Pública (police) report at least 100 assualts during the last six months.

Many drivers avoid using the Circunvalación trough the Hatillos if they can avoid it, preferring to take the long route through San José and avoid becoming a victim.

One of the most dangerous of the three traffic lights is the middle one, the intersection in front of the Mas x Menos, as anti-socials, working in teams, scout a potential victim from the perch of the overhead pedestrian pass, radioing to associates who then victimize the target vehicle at the next light only a few hundred metres away.

Police have identified some 30 people between the ages of 15 and 25 who are responsible for the majority of the assaults, all residents of the area.

According to the police report, Women alone in a vehicle and with goods clearly visible through the windows seem to be their favourite target and though assaults are occurring at all hours, the peak hours after 3pm, when traffic on the Circunvalación begins to build, is when most of the assaults occur.

Gregorio Abarca, head of the Hatillo police detachment, says that this week one of the suspects they apprehended, and wanted by the OIJ for other crimes, was only 12 years old.

The problem facing police is that in the majority of the cases the thieves snatch purses and bags from their victims and run. When caught the stolen articles are not to be found, making it impossible for a criminal charge. Abarca added that they have caught the thieves in action in foto and film, but due to the lack of physical evidence, their work is impeded.

Another problem is locating witnesses to the crimes. Many of the local residents do not come forward, nor do they get involved and come to the aid of a victim, for fear of reprisals, since the anti-socials live in the area.

Abarca is urging anyone who sees suspicious activity near the traffic lights to Hatillo police detachment and is offering his personal cell phone number - 822 1258 - to make the report and he personally guarantees to dispatch officers to the scene.

Abarca also advises drivers through the area to keep their windows closed at the traffic lights and don't carry valuables in the front or rear seats, valuables that are in clear sight and can be easily snatched.