'What is the crime like?' Heredia

Cynthia from The Moon (Contact Member) -

I have a friend coming through Heredia for about a month soon and she was wondering if this is a high crime area. Because, if so she is going to change her hotel arrangements and book one in an area with less crime. Thanks guys.

Comment #1 Ann-Aware (63.176.159.177) -

Miss Cynthia, every country has a history of tourism related crime. Besides proper location, I think it is also better if your friend learns tips and strategies to avoid these types of crimes. I browse the net earlier and read some tips about tourism related crimes. I think you should also browse the net if you are concern for the welfare of your friend.

Basic or knowledge of extensive self defense may also be essential but not a guarantor of safety amongst street scoundrels. Saw a news about a black belt being pinned down by two men in Costa Rica.

Comment #2 Scott in La Virgen (201.203.114.206) -

Myself and my girlfriend live in the province of Heredia in a town called La Virgen. We have lived here for about 3 weeks. We have not ran into any animosity from the locals, either people are friendly or they just keep to themselves.

Remember the United States has the most people per capita locked up in the entire world. If you can handle yourself in Chicago, NYC, Houston, LA, Miami or any other big city then you are aware of the fact that part of you is always on alert. As long as one walks confidently and keeps there head up and a watchful eye I would say your friend would certainly be good to go.

Comment #3 Jerid (63.176.159.119) -

I think your friend should be fine traveling through Heredia. As Scott said if you can handle yourself in the big cities of the United States you should be able to travel safely. If your friend watches out for bad situations then she should be fine.

Comment #4 Naid (63.176.159.123) -

I guess crimes is a part of growth in a place. The more population there is, the more crimes rates it gets. That's the sad part which is inevitable with growth and progress.

Comment #5 Ann (75.121.76.6) -

Heredia is a small friendly town. However, it is best to travel wisely. Like not wearing flashy jewelry, and showing a lots of money etc. Dont wander around late at night alone. Dont loan Costa Ricans money when they give you sad stories (most of these stories are not true)

please read my blog post all about travel in Costa

Rica

www.costaricalearn.com

Comment #6 cwemoy (63.176.159.118) -

It seems to me that your friend is a crime freak of some sort to the point that if she heard some hearsay about insecurity, she can rearrange her plans. Every city has its own insecurities and just like Ann suggests, take a few precautions and you will be safe..carry yourself as free of timidity because those guys really know how to spot a fearful person. Have a nice holiday

Comment #7 Beef (63.176.159.97) -

Crime is everywhere in the world, no matter what people say. And what Ann said is common sense for any city in the world.

Comment #8 Natascha (63.176.159.202) -

Costa Rica is generally a pretty safe and stable country to travel. The region of Heredida should be OK as well. Go for it.

Costa Rica is so peaceful that it doesn't even have an army!

Comment #9 no beef (63.176.159.120) -

What Ann might have said might be common sense that is normally overlooked. Certain crimes will need you to carry yourself in some way and unless you are reminded, overlooking is something prone to many people.

Talk of Costa Rica having no army got me into stitches. The army is a force that exists on stand by. How true is that staement Nats? War can occur any time and Costa Ricans will be in big trouble.

Comment #10 nklafadsfas (201.200.65.162) - 01/13/10 19:15

"Lolasdfad"

"Talk of Costa Rica having no army got me into stitches. The army is a force that exists on stand by. How true is that staement Nats? War can occur any time and Costa Ricans will be in big trouble."

America will be right there. And war wouldnt just start out of the blue, unless the surrounding countries turn into dictatorships...

There would be a 0% chance America wouldnt aide Costa Rica. Besides its a peaceful country, that has what? Trees, animals, the Rain Forest, beautiful beaches... There would be no need to attack Costa Rica.

Also, look out for major cities like you would in every country in the world. While I have never lived there (Heredia), I will be going to school starting monday (Jan/2010) and my grandparents who have a ton of friends who live there and have been visiting Costa Rica for 20 years have never heard any stories of Crime...well stories really worth telling that isnt any more common than in the US or anywhere else.

Comment #11 Bill from Alajuela (Contact Member) - 01/14/10 06:34

"War Based on Need?"

Since when is war based on need? It seems a lot of war is about religion.

That aside Costa Rica has many natural resources and maybe a tourism industry a neighboring country would like. Maybe rebels from a neighboring country would be Costa Rica an easier target than their home country.

Maybe the locals would decide to up and revolt.

The possibilities for war are endless. So, just because there is no need to "attack Costa Rica" doesn't mean someone won't.

Also, because they don't have an "army" doesn't mean they don't have armed forces.

If you have lived in Costa Rica for 20 years and never heard a story of crime... then you are a liar or don't speak to anyone at all.

I think every foreigner that's taken a taxi has been a victim of crime in Costa Rica: CONSUMER FRAUD!

A lot of the crime is petty thefts were you don't even notice... but don't discount the risk of more serious and violent crimes.

In most places I've lived, big or small cities, I was not subjected to daily instances of consumer fraud. Everywhere in Costa Rica is a daily fact of life.

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