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Crime
in Puerto Rico
Potential visitors to Puerto
Rico are at times concerned about news reports of violence and
criminal activity in Puerto Rico. While it is true that crime
statistics are high, there is very little need for concern from
tourists and other visitors. Most of the criminal activity that
takes place in Puerto Rico is either passion or drug-related and is
generally not common in the tourist areas.
Drug traffic is responsible for most of the violent crimes in Puerto
Rico, as is also the case throughout the United States of America
and in most other countries.
Drug offenses are penalized heavily. Any substance that is illegal
under United States laws will generally be illegal in Puerto Rico
also.
Passionate crimes are frequent.
Many of them are a direct result of the machista (male chauvinist)
traditions of Latin Americans.
The San Juan Metropolitan area
compares in criminal activity to any large city in the United
States. A visitor should feel as safe in the San Juan area as in New
York City, Chicago, Miami, Cincinnati, Los Angeles or any
other major city.
Puerto Rico Police have a higher
presence in the tourist areas and can often be seen patrolling on
foot, vehicle, boat and in helicopter, generally by English-speaking
police officers specially trained to deal with tourists and their
needs.
Visitors should observe the same
precautionary measures that would apply anywhere else:
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Don't leave personal items
unattended at the beach.
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Lock your
cars.
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Do not leave valuables
property visible in your parked vehicles. Lock it in your trunk
or cover it up.
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Stay
away from dark, isolated areas.
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Don't accept rides from strangers.
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Lock your doors and windows.
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Be aware of your
surroundings.
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Ask Police or at the Hotels
before wandering off into unfamiliar areas.
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Do not engage in verbal
arguments, and be courteous to others.
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If you need Police, call 911.
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