U.S. Embassy warns of security threat, increase in armed robberies of tourists in Puerto Viejo

March 28th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) In a statement sent to Inside Costa Rica by the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, the embassy is warning of a increase in armed robberies of U.S. citizens in the area of Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica’s province of Limon.

“Within the last few weeks, the Embassy has received increased reports of armed robberies of tourists in the Puerto Viejo area.  In light of this situation, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Puerto Viejo area to remain cautious and vigilant with regard to their personal safety and security,” the statement said.

“In the past four weeks, three armed robberies of  U.S. citizens have occurred in the Puerto Viejo area, in addition to armed invasions of two hotels and one residence.  Police in Puerto Viejo have informed the Embassy that they are undertaking active preventative measures to avoid further incidents of this type.  Armed robbery continues to be the primary criminal threat facing tourists in the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica,” the statement added.