August 6th, 2015 (ICR News) The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) and the Judicial Investigative Police (OIJ) expressed their concern this week that a rising number of foreign tourists and foreign residents are falling victim to crime while visiting the country, and the impact it could have on the country’s image internationally.
Through a report distributed with the OIJ, officials said the areas where crimes against foreigners are most often reported are Jaco, Quepos, San Jose, as well as Puerto Viejo on the country’s Caribbean coast. Also of concern, though to a lesser extent is Tamarindo.
In the first five months of this year alone, well over 1,500 crimes against foreigners were reported, ranging from theft and robberies to assaults and even murder, amongst a variety of other crimes.
By nationality, US citizens suffered the greatest number of crimes, with 506 reports of crime against US citizens between January and May. Amongst other foreigners, 129 crimes against Canadians were reported, along with 122 against French citizens, 118 against Germans, and 108 against Italians.
“We want to express our concern about the incidence of crime against tourists who visit [Costa Rica]. Clearly, these situations harm the country, and although we are still leaders in the region, reports from tourists [who have been the victim of crime] can affect tourism and the [country’s] image,” Canatur said in a statement.
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