High Crime Rate?

[John]

Some friends of ours just returned from a vacation trip to Costa Rica, and they have some real horror stories to tell about crime there.

Their rental car was broken into - twice, in just one week.  And in San Josw, the capital, they were accosted and had their camera stolen.

We have been to Costa Rica several years ago and didn't notice unusual crime rate, has it increased so much lately?  Is Costa Rica safe for us to retire and relocate?

Thanks.

[John]

OK, I just answered my own question  

The answer was found on the GoDutch site...

"Costa Rica is a very different country on a socioeconomic level as to what you are used to. Costa Rica does have a Social Security System (and even on a much higher level than most Latin American countries), but no welfare. If a father of 4 children (here the poor still have lots and lots of children) has no job, there is no other way than to steal. Therefore we have a lot of burglary. No violent crime, hear me well, but simple burglary. So when you’re not at home, they will try to break into your home and steal you TV, your stereo equipment and other small appliances. So if you don’t want to run that risk, you have your gardener or maid stay at home while you’re away or simply move to a condo."

Thanks for your very frank apprasial of the situation, we will look elsewhere for retirement.

PS We had our hearts set on Costa Rica

[Russ]

HI John,
This information wasn't meant to scare you away from Costa Rica, but to advise you that crime does exist. A lot of people think that just because most Ticos are friendly and the country is so natural that no crime exists and they don't take the normal precautions that they would back home. I would also like to point out that the experience your friends had could happen to them at any vacation destination in the world.   I worked on a cruise ship for 5 years and visited over 30 different countries an islands.  Passengers had their cameras stolen in every port.

Their rental car was broken into - twice, in just one week. And in San Jose, the capital, they were accosted and had their camera stolen.

 This is unfortunate, but tourists normally stick out and thieves really can spot them.  You have to be very aware of your surroundings, never leave any bags or boxes in the car and watch out for people around you.  At the Vatican in Rome, kids used to come out and ask for hand outs on a newspaper.  Under the newspaper their friends would steal your wallet.  
In summary, Costa Rica could really do a lot more to fight criminals, especially those targeting tourists.  But I wouldn't say that crime is any worse that in other countries and shouldn't dissuade anyone from making their home here.