|
Theft of U.S. Passports in Costa
Rica Surpasses Mexico and Europe
The United States embassy in San José reports that Costa Rica is one the
countries with the highest
reports of stolen U.S.
passports.
The embassy assures that the
number of US passports reported
stolen in Costa Rica surpasses
reports in Mexico, Brazil, Italy
and France.
Embassy officials said that
there were 1.558 US passports
reported stolen during 2005,
forcing the embassy to recommend
to its citizens to be extra
careful with the document while
in Costa Rica.
From Januay to June of this year
783 US passports were stolen,
the majority in the San José
area, said an embassy
spokesperson.
The embassy says that thieves,
including minors, have increased
their tendency to commit violent
acts in their act of stealing
the passports.
According to police authorities,
visitors tend to leave their
belongings in the open, being
very trustful, willing to strike
up a conversation with whomever.
This trust allows those with not
so good intention to make their
move.
Due to the high number of
incidents, US tourists are being
recommended to carry only a copy
of their passport. According to
Evely Ardón of the US embassy,
police will accept a copy.
Of course, passports are not the
only target. Suitcases, handbags
and backpacks are also favored
by thieves as they case
unsuspecting visitors, who in a
moment of distraction, can lose
their valuables. Bars, hotel
rooms and the San José streets
are prime areas for thieves.
The Organismo de Investigación
Judicial (OIJ) and the Dirección
de Migración y Extranjería
attribute the large number of
thefts of US passports to
organized gangs who specialize
in American passports, which can
be sold on international markets
for up to us$20.000.
Colombians and Cubans are
primary purchasers of stolen US
passports that are modified to
allow entry to the U.S.,
according to immigration
director, Mario Zamora.
If you are victim of a stolen
passport, the first step is to
make a report to the OIJ and
then a visit to the US embassy,
located in Pavas.
|
|
