Top 10 Costa Rica

Home And Personal Security A Major Concern For Year End

This is the time to enjoy the year end activities and celebrations, but also a time for criminals, taking advantage of the many who let down their guard. In the last week of the year, history shows an increase of attacks on pedestrians, mainly in the downtown core and home robberies.

Fuerza Pública (police) officials say that they have already seen an increase over 2008, though it is still too early to talk numbers.

Police advise that is you live or have to go to downtown San José, stay alert and watch your belongings. Most of the attacks are of those who let their guard down, even for a moment, especially when it comes to carrying large amounts of cash and wearing jewellery exposed.

Stay alert, is the recommendation. Walk briskly, do not pull out your wallet, cash or cell phone in the middle of the street, clutch a handbag tightly.

When it comes to leaving your home alone, the majority of robberies are those of opportunity, where security is low, a door or gate left open and evidence of no one is home.

A security alarm helps. Advising your neighbours if you are going to be absent for an extended period is good idea. Using timers to turn off lights and television and/or radio at intervals gives the appearance of someone being home.

Ensure that gates close properly, add a chain and lock if necessary. A good fence not only makes for good neighbours, but can also ensure than thieves pass by your home, moving on to an easier target.

A good lock, one that cannot be easily cut with a bolt cutter or picked easily will help. Many homes do not reinforce their deadbolt locks, the door easily pried open with a crowbar.

Another problem evident in many homes is the rolling front gate. Many such gates do not have a stop lock or stop bar, which makes it easily to lift off its lower or upper track and forced open enough to allow entry.

Making entry points complicated and more difficult, helps foil thieves.