Crime- Living in Costa Rica - What to Do About It

[@JayRedden28]

Over the past 30 years Ive been mugged/attempted mugged 5 times in Costa Rica. Back in in 1992 San Jose was known as the safest capital city in the world, but that was the only time I actually got successfully mugged. I was in downtown San Jose at about 8pm on the way to the clubs. The last time someone tried to mug me was about 10 blocks away from the first mugging and was at about 8pm at a bus stop. A guy pulled a bowie knife on me and held it to my stomach but I used my backbsck as a shield and refused to give him a cinco. Just as he was was about to knife me my friend pulled me back and 2 motorcycle cops drove up and chased him down. They grabbed him and slammed him agsimst a wall and out drops the knife. No one ever saw him at that bus stop again. I stopped walking after dark after that. My husband was held up at gunpoint 5 years ago by a fake Uber driver who was hacking into the Uber app and picking people up and holding them up at gunpoint. About a week later the OIJ raided that guys house and arrested him. My Tica mother-in-law has her father's 1948 Civil War service revolver and has had to shoot at guys trying to get in her house in the middle of the night. Her plan was to bury the bodies in the rainforest if she killed them. Costa Ricans dont go to the police. They handle it themselves. She has 3 Geman Sheppards on chains surrounding her house, bars on all the windows, and thieves still managed to saw through a wall to get in one day when she was gone a few hours. People here are writing that thieves are targeting Gringos but fact is Gringos are far more protected and have more resources to live in more protected areas. Most poor Ticos I know have been robbed or mugged for a cell phone or a couple thousand colones. They are more vulnerable because they have to walk and take public transportation everywhere. My husband was a Fuerza Publica Officer for years and was shot at several times and had a bicycle shot out from under him. The police are very frustrated with system because the liberal judges let the criminals out of jail before the police are done being questioned. Most of the judges questions to the criminals isn't about their crimes but were they victimized by the police. That's why the police would be happy to turn their backs while you take out a criminal discretely. You just don't want to take out a criminal who is under the protection of the police because he's their fence for the stolen goods and drugs they take off other criminals and then have their fence sale for them. Yes, this is very common in Costa Rica. You might want to get in good with local police by buying them pastries once in a while. The police in Costa Rica pretty much only work for the people who keep them fed or give them little gifts here and there.

[@themaxandlucyshow7590]

Wow.....spot on

[@ktlemongrass5129]

That’s a good tip about the pastries ❤

[@JayRedden28]

@@82ndairborne53 I think the cartel violence is worse along the Pacific coast and major cities now but can be pretty much anywhere. Its very different than the cartels in Mexico at this point but it could get there real fast if Costa Rica doesnt do something drastic very soon.

[@twill1254]

Good video. I take precautions here in New York. I pretty much have done the same thing in costa rica.I never had a problem. I travelled alone. Not once did I ever have an issue. I hate when people ask ," is costa rica dangerous?" It cracks me up. Go travel into Brooklyn or the Bronx. Thats dangerous!! Lol.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

hahaha... exactly.

[@shartzs]

Crime is always going to be an issue based on opportunity for those looking to take advantage of those that let their guard down. Common sense plays a major role in in protecting yourself from crime, not just in Costa Rica but any country. Thanks again Michael for covering the topic of crime in Costa Rica and for keeping it real as always :)

[@jeffberg8015]

Exactly right. I was robbed at gunpoint here 10 years ago, walking home alone at 1:30 am, a little drunk. I was overconfident of where I was living because I had been out at night dozens of times and felt safe. However in hindsight all the previous times had either been earlier in the evening or with other people. And yes, the police couldn't have cared less. No matter where you are, if you want to avoid being a victim, remember the rules of stupid. Don't do stupid things in stupid places at stupid times with stupid people.

[@Dazarabia522]

Don't do stupid things in stupid places at stupid times with stupid people. Well said!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

I can so relate to that. Thanx for sharing Jeff.

[@bonevays]

@@Dazarabia522 What a terrible way to live!

[@topgun4499]

Good info! new subscriber here found your channel last week have been thinking about traveling to Costa Rica soon so have been watching videos about Costa Rica Thanks from Las Vegas!!

[@sherylwagner2993]

Pretty much spot on with everything Michael. I'm amazed at how many new people are moving here, building big houses, and not thinking twice about being very open, in both their manners and access to their homes. They seem determined to believe that certain areas of CR really are Malibu.

[@albertwood6030]

Good video and nice coffee cup hahaha

[@elizabethgiuffrida8138]

My hubby sent him"the mushroom mug". We've been hoping it would make an appearance eventually. My husband, John, is tickled.

[@cayetanocanales7662]

Saludos from tejas. Well said and good advice.

[@shivayogtravel]

Very informative!!!! Thank you very much for this very special video. Very Best Wishes.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

You are most welcome

[@frankc966]

Great information and info.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

thanx Frank, appreciate that.

[@FineBlueAgave]

Nice one bro. You nailed this one

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Appreciated Zen. :)

[@FineBlueAgave]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I don't always agree with you, but I enjoy watching your videos. This one in particular brings up an important issue. Carry on !

[@geebs76]

Most of the people in my neighborhood only tell one trusted neighbor when they are going away. If you start telling a few people then it can turn into what Mike described with the housekeeper. They mention it to others and the wrong people can hear.

[@dakotahstr]

You have the best informative no bull videos. Happy Easter Michael 🐣 💓 💛

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Thanx. Appreciate you sayin' 😊

[@janetbeattie6902]

Hi Michael, Thanks for another great video reality-check. We live in a secured place and I'm careful/conscientious when I'm out and about. But people are people everywhere. We came from a town that had a bad reputation for murder and that is the subject of several lurid true-crime books. I'm grateful for the concern, but I've been surprised that more than a few Costa Ricans (especially Ticas) have warned me about safety. I feel safe from crime unless I'm taking a (gringo-pricing, naturally) taxi from SJO.

[@paulmacy6385]

Good video, spot on.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

thanx. appreciate that.

[@robbieg1able]

Another great video. Be careful of what you say, your habits and who you let into your life

[@themaxandlucyshow7590]

I shared this video on the Crime Watch Costa Rica page. People have been posting stories about their home invasions, being tied up, beaten, robbed, so I thought some of the things you said might be helpful to those who have not yet been a victim.

[@themaxandlucyshow7590]

@Rae z we have so many members who live somewhere else and are obviously investigating the crime situation in making their decision whether they want to move here or not. I thought Michael's video was basic enough that they would understand that you have to be vigilant and take precautions if you are going to live here and be safe.

[@MG-lw8pq]

This happened to 2 different friends of mine in the Uvita area. One was last week and the other 2 months ago. Dogs are not stopping these guys! They also are coming in before you are locked up with all your security!

[@elizabethgiuffrida8138]

And hand-made"The Mushroom Mug" finally makes an appearance! My husband sent it to you shortly after the first one cracked. We've been watching diligently, hoping it would make an appearance or two.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Yeah, I love that mug. But I was breaking so many, I didn't want to break it as well. But now it's the only one I use. Thanx so much for the 'Mushroom Mug'... and I have gotten some nice compliments on it. :)

[@scorpio2228]

Great take on this subject , as always you pretty much covered it all extremely well. As i also live here for over 6 years I follow or i try to follow everything you mentioned in the video . Security is probably most important part about living in CR , and if you can afford it its always best to live in gated comunity or in a large tower where they have armed security and that alone is a good deterrent.

[@TracyTrejos]

Where would you suggest a musician to store equipment.

[@stevenschmidt1145]

How about constantly being short changed at stores and ripped off on normal business transactions? Happen almost daily

[@JayRedden28]

Count your change. Only use cards.

[@johnreape2833]

You have to call them out on it EVERY time. I went through that the first two or so years I lived in San Jose. Make them aware that you won"t put up with the short - changing in a strong fashion. If it happens twice in the same place, call for the manager, and let them know if it happens again there you will take your business elsewhere. Don't be afraid to come across in a strong manner. This will discourage that person from trying it with you ever again.

[@cid9029]

That sounds like a cake walk compared to over here in Seattle WA.

[@sheronwilliams1354]

I really like your info. I am thinking about spending some of my time in Costa Rica after retirement.

[@rogercocco5309]

thanks mike!!! people have to be on guard in our city also!!! opportunists everywhere especialy downtown!!!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Yes, I suppose it's everywhere now.

[@barco581]

Can you do a video on your bike?

[@bobbycollard1381]

I love this video. I visit Mexico a lot and people I know there are always telling me , crime in US worse. Maybe it is, but it’s different. No barbed wire in my US neighborhood. I love to hear truth about Costa Rica, nothing sugar coated. I hope to visit soon.

[@sheryl5016]

I am a HUGE fan of tall iron gates!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

haha...me too

[@CoachJeffreyGallardo]

Dose this happen even if you are homesteading and living away from the tourist area?

[@johnreape2833]

The short - changing will happen at stores, and sodas, when the employee thinks your Spanish is poor, and assumes you are not savvy in Costa Rica. In my expierence it is usually young girls that aren't well educated or very smart that will try it. In bars, it can be anyone from the waitress/waiter, bartender, or the manager. Just point out the correct price {and number of drinks], that you had. Hold your ground, and don't pay the padded bill. I'm sure Michael will back me up on this!!

[@sherylwagner2993]

I would no longer wish to live remote now. It seems those are more targeted than they used to be. Always better to have some neighbors nearby and to look out for one another,.

[@michelinecousineau8497]

Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

you are welcome😊

[@michelinecousineau8497]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW i just arrived Monday from Quebec Canada (still lots of snow there 😄) I want to rent long term so rent hunting today. Rented a golf car Wednesday and was going wrong way on a one way close to the beach 2 police women and a police man was watching me and said nothing but a Tico woman told me to turn around 🤪 could’nt beleive it ! 😋

[@riskyron1416]

Make sure your security gate has a chain, not able to simply be pryed open. Mount your door locks upside down to prevent picking. Might also consider a few signs saying you have guard snakes. Fer de Lances of course. Where I live, not around any other gringos, all my neighbors have at least 3 cars. I do not have any. Think about it. If you plan on stealing a 52 inch flat screen, do you want to carry it down the street? Or would you rather drive away with it in a Toyora Hillux along with the rest of the loot? Best defence is that your neighbors are better targets. Some homes are as welcoming as a bank with the doors and vault wide open.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Thanx Risky Ron,,, great suggestions. I should just go out a get a Fer de lance or 2 ;). Seriously thanx, things to consider for sure.

[@shelleysquires7225]

🌅 Always nice to see you Love I recently heard that it's a thing for hackers to hack into your cameras...so make sure you have dual authentication set up or you may here a voice in your computer that can potentially reek havock for you ..Btw, Easter coming🐇

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Thanks for the tip Shelley :)

[@christineh9600]

What kills me here is the number of houses that have bars on every window of the house but has only the wood entry door. My experience with Costa Rican wood doors are that 1) poor quality and 2) the locks usually aren't installed properly. Neither the handle or the deadbolt locks go into the door jam more than about a 1/2" ... so just a simple kick will open the door. The time of leaving your doors unlocked and windows open is long gone.

[@annrichmanrn4514]

Thank you!

[@paulvta761]

I had a good friend before but then he found drugs and told him we are no longer friend's. Years later he broke into my apartment and stolen $300 of stuff

[@pat2row]

I know some Ocean Beach surfers who have house sitters for their Costa Rican homes. They’ve got a garage full of surf boards so they park on street leaving themselves vulnerable to car window break ins. Their priority is their surf 🏄‍♂️ boards, and they promote virtuous surf volunteer initiatives in Costa Rica.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

I guess everyone has their own priorities. ;) Thanx for the comment

[@vickc4422]

What about having dogs ?

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

It is a great idea.

[@soul-journers6309]

Your videos are informative and helpful, have been watching them for a few years now. We have traveled to CR for the last 4 years and always have felt completely safe. This past year we foolishly left our phone and wallet in our car when we went to quickly check something out. Our dumb mistake….we wouldn’t do that at home! Of course when we got back to the car they were gone. That’s on us. Even though this happened, we plan to move to CR this year. Still is a safe place…just use common sense.

[@joeheintz4499]

Here is something to try if you are at a bar. Say "I have a pet Rattlesnake named Reggie. I don't keep him in a cage so he just goes wherever in the house. I just have to be very careful so that I don't scare him and I don't get bit".....Works like a charm.....

[@brendacarey.1377]

Bougainvillea, not hibiscus, has the thorns. Beautiful natural fence

[@robbieg1able]

I heard a while back that locks and bars on your doors are just there to keep the honest, honest. If someone wants to get you then they are going to get you. If don’t have crazy expensive stuff in your house, then this eliminates the professional criminals because they are not going to break into your house to steal your dishes. Bars, lights and especially dogs in my opinion are going to prevent the druggers and the smash and grabs.

[@adrianbisson2714]

I have people trespassing on my property here in Canada all the time. We've been stolen from often. I have a baseball bat at the door and have installed cameras. Costa Rica isn't any worse than these apparently better countries. The majority of bad situations are ones you get yourself into. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid most of it. I like several ideas Michael had in this video. He's been in Costa Rica forever and has stayed safe, you'd be a fool not to listen to his advice.

[@joecahill4164]

good video..i practice all the defense plays in the video..and most problems created in our lives is because we let our guards down...some 25 years ago when attacked in the park moving from bar to bar was the only lesson I needed to learn about my own ignorance..if was a good lesson and it definitedly woke me up to reality...after that I took a lot thinks out of the "equation of my life" One item of home defense i don't see as much as in mexico...is broken glass planted in cement around the perimeter of the roof...not really attractive..but purposeful..In regards to Police...if we are talking about the blues (rural police) i agree but the areas that have their own Municipal Police (Escazu, Santa Ana, San Ramon and others) will respond since they are permanently tied into their local community. The problem with rural police is the Captain or Chief of Police seemed to get reassigned to different parts of the country often and they have little accountability to the local communities as do the Municipal Police. When I lived In Sarchi, the average assignment for the Police Jefe was around 3 years.

[@jakelesnake4927]

The easiest thing seems to me to stay in a condo with security at the entrance. I stayed in Vistas Las Palmas, the big yellow tower block in Jaco, for a while last time I was there and I have to say staying somewhere you don't have bars on the windows, have a great view and security was extremely nice. And the mosquitos don't fly above about the fourth floor. I know high rise is kind of ruining the scenery, and the HOA fees were enough to put me off buying, but it dealt with almost all these issues in one. I made friends with the security guys, and they were actually great fun, but still it was a little annoying having to check in and out, someone knowing more about your life than you wanted, but if that's the price for not worrying about all this stuff I think that's what I'd do if I moved to Costa Rica. I've heard large gated communities are so hard to patrol that security isn't much security, if you know what I mean, but I'd be interested to know if you've ever heard of condo security being either overpowered or perhaps corrupted by criminals to let them in.

[@dougtilaran3496]

Books ? Hang them on the outside, in front of all windows. Superman=Krytonite. : Books= Ticos

[@victortoombs4754]

You should get a ring camera. Can you do an updated video on Gringo pricing? I have noticed that within the last year, upscale homes are skyrocketing there. Just a ton of homes nowadays going for $2-3 million and more. I wonder if that is just greedy spec builders looking for suckers.

[@mrs4everyoung]

Hi there, the Same Thinge Happen also in Southern France, Italy, Cote d Azure……..and no help from Police😂😂😂😂😂

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Sad really.

[@denicagilmer7951]

Great information for C.R. and everyday life (in Ohio).

[@claude1812]

Maybe alarm systems ( loud sounds )

[@riskyron1416]

I have lived in Costa Rica 7 years. 1 years more prior to that. I have never been robbed. But about 4 years ago two men tried to rob me after leaving an ATM. I got one in the balls with my umbrella, the other wisely decided to give up the plan. However I do not use drugs, I do not go out to drink. Seldom out at night and live far away from other gringos. Though I am 75, I have practiced Martial Arts since age 9, still bench press 110 kilos. And a blow with either fist will be over 1000 ft pounds. But now a word to the wise. I know numerous people who have been beaten and robbed. All either in our Parque Central or within 150 meters of out police station. So definitely police offer no protection. I find I can look like a local if I don't speak. I never speak English here. Often responding I only speak German, Russian or Arabic that maked all give up on communicating. Use drugs or get drunk in publuc or look for sex, all bets are off. You will be on borrowed time.

[@dirkswildworld]

We live in a very rich/wealthy part of my home town here im Germany. Yesterday we observed 3 big police cars with blue flickering lights rushing down the street and stopping burglars from entering a big house just around the corner....This happens here about every few months. And it's increasing. We travelled to Costa Rica 7 times and never had issues, but that's, of course, a vacation mode. Nevertheless, I wanna live in Costa Rica as I think, it is saver than the place where I live, with all the Porsche and big Mercedes in front of the villas...

[@Finley67]

Crime doesn't have an address, Country or State. You are so right Michael. Don't be stupid and make it easy for them.

[@vincentpellegrini1686]

Ive lived in costa rica 4 years and only last month my house got robbed not once but twice.... by the same person...... a german not a tico.... a famous german pop star named jasmin tawil.... not a tico.... so my only bad experience was not with a costa rican but my neighbor.... a german.... to me its safe..but im from california so anywhere is safer to me.

[@MMAnimalSanctuary_Rhonda]

Michel's and my best theft deterrent is to just not have anything to steal. 😜That being said, we have been very careful to never have cash on us to lend if a friend or neighbor asks. We also have nine very loud and territorial dogs. The neighbors talk about us, all right... they tell each other how our perros almost took them down in the road and tore their faces off. We're about to launch a fundraiser for a fence (we work with a nonprofit dog rescue here in CR, Charlie's Angels, so it's legit) just to keep the above-stated fiasco from happening. Michel managed to get my phone stolen in La Fortuna once, but probably because he left it on a table in a soda somewhere. He owns that. No biggie. Other than that, we've had no troubles. I don't think that's an accident. Many people think we're naive at first glance, but we're full of surprises. LOL We survived a year locked down in Morocco during the pandemic. Costa Rica is a cakewalk after that. One day we might be the target of a crime, but kinda like the things you said about yourself, it's going to have to be one rather ballsy mf who does it.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well, that's definitely my strategy as well. Someone breaks into my house they are going to be totally bummed they wasted the energy.... and perhaps leaving without an arm lol

[@MMAnimalSanctuary_Rhonda]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW exactly! LOL

[@randygulleyjr2180]

Fundraiser? Where and when?

[@MMAnimalSanctuary_Rhonda]

@@randygulleyjr2180 I'll be sharing a video about it soon on my channel, possibly as soon as next week. I've been trying to get the right clips to demonstrate the problem with us not having a fence, plus coordinate with Charlie's Angels Rescue so we don't coincide with any other fundraisers they're doing. We have eight dogs, some from the U.S., some from Morocco, and some from Costa Rica, plus one coyote/dog hybrid who adopted us. Gotta keep them all safe!

[@royalgamingyt3669]

Love the white t bro. I’m a builder in MA-US. So I wear the white tee shirts all the time. And I almost totally destroy them fruity loom shirts every damn week. Anyways. Thanks for the info man

[@sandrabedard7848]

I feel safer living in our locals community here in CR for 2 years than I ever did in USA. Use common sense no matter what Country you live in. Stay away from Illegal activities and anyone can have a good life here. We don't drink alcohol so we don't go to bars at night. We never lived in a gated and guarded neighborhood here but we live among the Locals and are friends with our Neighbors and we all watch over each other and we ALL have dogs. We don't keep our dogs outdoors at night they are in our home with us. We have never had a problem ourselves but we always use common sense and have a secure home. LOCATION is also a huge factor with Us living here. Touristy areas and beach towns get more crime than non Touristy places. Don't be stupid and use common sense when in the big cities and you will be fine.

[@Machtyn]

Police don't do anything about robberies in the USA, either. If they happen to catch a high profile thief that happened to grab your stuff, you might get lucky.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

good point😉

[@robbieg1able]

That is the key, common sense and a low key lifestyle and leaving flashy bling at home. Just just think and be a little defensive. I tell people if you go to Costa Rica and you happen to go an airport after leaving the airport take your luggage into the restaurant. If you have to go to the bathroom take your luggage into the bathroom. Yes, it seems strange, but do you know those people in the restaurant? Just take a little bit of a cautious attitude.

[@dfwautomotiveservice]

You did get us on the coffee April fools. Saludos

[@consciouscolectivo]

i have lived here for 3 years, i have been scammed and robbed.. mainly by landloards, mechanics and cops dont do anything. i always take responsibility even though if i know who did it, they will pay in one way or another, it is up to the communities here to hold scammers and robbers accountable and warn people because it is the wild wild west, cops work with the robbers. we chose to live here so i rather deal with this than the corruption in the US although it does suck, much more crime happens in the US

[@donalbershardt9290]

But in the U.S. We can Read People much better and Avoid RIP- OFFS Better.. LEARN Spanish and Listen to What is Being Said everywhere

[@christine8630]

Last year I stayed in San Jose visiting my dentist and I ate out a few times using Colon money and the cashier gave me back change in expired Colon paper money and the expired money was no good to use anywhere. I didn't know that whenever there is a change of the President in Costa Rica, that the government puts the new President's face on a few different Colon paper money and the old paper money became worthless. Luckily, I discovered this scam quickly and I was able to exchange the expired paper money with updated money at the bank. Michael maybe you should talk about this scam to advise us Gringos to check their change when paying in local currency to be sure you are not getting expired Colon bills. p.s. You got me on that April Fool's joke.

[@vincentpellegrini1686]

Police told me i have the right to take care of it myself i explained to them what i was going to do which was basically the same thing that i was a victim of... kicking in a door and taking my things back.... i did that.... they arrested her later and let her go and 2 days later she did it again while i was home...now shes deported.... the only problem i had in 4 years.... a famous german pop star.... not a tico... i live in montezuma

[@juniussmith418]

They have to get by my 100 lb Rhodesian. Great security.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Indeed.

[@vincentpellegrini1686]

And the police told me to handle it myself so i did... i did it the california way and put boots to the door... i didnt get in Trouble and she was deported...

[@siamiam4306]

I don't get the rationalization accepting crime and distinguishing between tourist and inhabitants. Nobody should get robbed, especially in your own home. In my pinion, the turning point in Costa Rica was when magistrates got held hostage in 93. Among the 18, one was my cousin. Costa Rica instead agreed to demands of the commandos and got free passage to Nicaragua. And there is where the problem starts - Nicas ! Then the unsavory Colombians came inland the flood gates opened. Ticos today only comprise 2/3 of the populace. Prior to that was a gang of youths from Escazu called the Chaupolinos, bored youths committing petty crimes against tourist at cultural plaza. In the end, it's unacceptable unlike what El Salvador is currently doing.......... In my opinion, Oscar Arias ruined Costa Rica, along with Calderon, Rodrigues and Chemise.. All family friends, all three convicted with Figures in asylum. Calderon I met with in Braintree, MA where he still might live. The point is authorities have failed. Why can I walk streets in Bangkok safely at 3AM and not in San Jose ? Why can't I park my rental in front of a cousin's house for a brief moment ? Why does someone claim it's one's fault they got robbed ? I know he Costa Rica I knew traveling there as a youth is gone and won't come back. Where is the government to give solice your dwelling won't get robbed ? Accepting this as fact is a mental failure.

[@vsekvsek]

Why bother with a camera if police dont do anything

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well, if you're not at home, you can see what's up.

[@sherylwagner2993]

Still nice to see who is ripping you off. Some people take care of business on their own.

[@leoruocco9128]

Michael, I have guns and everyone sooner or later hears them go off when someone comes into my 🎉 large property in a small mountain town. Police told me to get a gun and if you keep it in your property to protect your property the police are all for it.

[@leoruocco9128]

Michael, I always look for holes in your stories. I came here about the same time as you and so far you are spot on if you ever slip up I will let you know. ❤

[@craigfass5327]

So, dont go out late. Dont let people in your house. Dont make friends. Dont have a maid. Dont get drunk in public. Dont trust anyone. Secure your place like a prison. Sounds like paradise to me

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

If that's what you got from that...

[@craigfass5327]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW Basically yes. And dont trust the lawman and take matters into your own hands. Be ever vigilant with your guard up. I like your vids. You keep it honest and dont sugar coat it. It is a special country just not one where I could see myself living anymore. I tried and tried but it ended up being square peg round hole for us. I was an escrow payment from moving to Uvita and would have really struggled living there because I dont want to live in a society where I cant trust people and have to be looking over my shoulder to see who is going to rob me. I also don't know anyone who hasnt been robbed in one way or another. Thats the tico/gringo divide. Not to say that gringos arent also going to fuck you over. But we are viewed as ATM's with legs. And are ripe for the pickings. Thats really sad as I do love CR so much and Ive never had any experiences in the world as I have in CR. But I couldnt hack it there with all the BS from the crime to useless government to the poaching of animals and trees.

[@tmcgrenere]

What truth is this!

[@FLAKO1982]

✌🏻🤟🏻✊🏻

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

:)

[@dlvox5222]

Have a safe with snakes

[@vincentpellegrini1686]

Prevention is important anywhere you live i have cameras & i have 100 pound dogo Argentino×pit bull dog named loki and my cameras are the reason i knew where to look to get my things back. A camera and a dog

[@vincentpellegrini1686]

Google jasmin tawil costa rica.... and you see

[@donjosetiquicia539]

Correction on the video, the plant with thorns Michael was trying to name was Bougainvillea, (not hibiscus). Personally, we would only live in a very secure, gated community. Not every gated community has the same protocols, so those measures and vulnerabilities need to be considered. We still have a security system with cloud recording cams inside and out, alarms, and travel with personal protection devices. I'd also suggest a dash cam with 360° surveillance feature when parked. Lastly, all crimes need to be reported to local authorities AND posted on social media, with photos, video, and evidence to support your experience. The government can't respond with training and resources if they are not aware of local problems. They may not respond until they see multiple crime reports on social media affecting the tourism industry. There are a number of "Crime Watch" Facebook pages in Costa Rica.

[@LidoLife]

carrry a old wallet with you with play money in it…. give that to the robber

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

good tip. thanx for that Bryne.

[@mares3841]

That'll get you beat up

[@LidoLife]

@@mares3841 don’t hang around….

[@MateoZapata-k6l]

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