US State Department Releases Crime Report

The spike in violent crimes across Belize in 2014 has prompted the U.S. State Department to release a revised crime and safety report which points out that the country has seen an increase in theft and murder over the past year.  Despite the fact that a majority of tourist destinations, including archaeological sites and cayes, have been deemed safe for visitors, there is a warning against visiting the south side of Belize City.  The general area, which also includes Regent Street, where the House of Culture is located, as well as St. John’s Cathedral on Albert Street, is described as a hotbed for gang activity and other crimes.  Ironically, hundreds of tourists traverse the area on foot or by horse and carriage on a daily basis as part of organized visits to the previously mentioned locations.  The report also urges travelers to exercise extreme caution while driving Belize into bordering countries.