"army Of Security Guards"

[Snake Eyes]

Can someone explain to me why so many security guards in Costa Rica? On every single street corner, every strip mall, every parking lot, every condo complex? Is there a law that a business owner must provide security? Or is crime really a factor? I walked all over the place day and night, and I never really felt like I was in a hostle enviroment.  

[Russ]

Hi Snake Eyes, welcome back!

I have two cliches for you in explanation:
"A stitch in time saves nine"
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Violent crime is really not a problem in Costa Rica, as a general rule.  In the last decade there have been very few cases of hostage taking or heavily armed and violent criminal gangs.  However the police generally concentrate on apprehending them as quickly as they can.  If you compare statistics objectively, San Jose has less violent (and even overall) crime rates than most cities in the US.  

However, petty crime is common.  There are two areas that are particular targets - tourists and cars.  Tourists are easy targets in any country I have ever travelled to, and even in the US.  Pickpockets and robbers work the main bus stations and tourist attractions, never leave belongings unattended and swinging out in the open drawing attention and tempting fate.

Burglaries in urban areas are fairly common, thus the large number of gated communities and security guards.  But particular problems are with cars.  You should never leave any bags or equipment in plain sight whenever you park your car, no matter where.  That's why the supermarkets, shopping centers and strip malls have so many guards.