ChuckStur
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Age: 44
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Joined: 14 Sep 2008
Posts: 1
Home Country: usa
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 Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject: Uruguay 2008 Crime & Safety Report Unfavorable.. |
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I'm retiring in 2009 or 2010 and considering Uruguay as a retirment home for me and my wife. Everything I had read about Uruguay seemed very favorable until reading the "Uruguay 2008 Crime & Safety Report" (posted below). The Report did not speak favorable of the Uruguay's crime rate and I would appreciate any comments from Expats that can speak from their experience of living in Uruguay and their opinion concerning the crime.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation In Montevideo, petty street crimes like pick-pocketing, purse snatching, confrontational robbery in secluded areas, and theft from parked automobiles are common. Thieves prey on targets of opportunity such as tourists openly carrying valuables, motorists stopped at lights with bags visible on car seats, and parked unattended vehicles. Thieves migrate toward tourist spots such as the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Avenida 18 de Julio (18 July Avenue), Plaza Independencia (Independence Plaza) and the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market). There are no “off-limits” areas of Montevideo, but in addition to areas frequented by tourists, disadvantaged neighborhoods suffer from higher crime rates. Fortunately, street crime is usually non-violent. However, the potential for violence exists if victims resist. Visitors who are aware of their surroundings, exploring during daylight hours, and not openly displaying cash or other valuables will minimize their exposure to street crime. There have been several armed robberies of restaurants in the Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo. These have occurred on weekends late at night (between 1–3 a.m.). The Regional Security Officer advises that you try to use taxis whenever possible. Call a cab service for pick-up at your hotel/residence, and do the same from the restaurant/shop to return, thus minimizing your exposure on the street looking for a cab.
Residential burglaries are a significant problem in the Carrasco and Pocitos areas, where most affluent families and resident foreign diplomats reside. Most incidents involve burglaries of homes while the occupants are away, both during the day and at night. Burglars often ring the bell to see if anyone is at home. If there is no answer, they will let themselves in. During the summer months, from December to March, beach resorts such as Punta del Este attract affluent tourists - mostly wealthy Uruguayans, Argentines and Brazilians. During this period, petty street crimes and residential burglaries, similar to the types that occur in Montevideo, follow the wealthy to Punta del Este. Only a consistent layered defense will deter these thieves. Precautions include; a private security patrol, a centrally monitored alarm, barred windows with tightly spaced cross-members, high perimeter fences, choosing a home that does not have adjacent vacant lots/parks, owning dogs, attempting always to have someone at home, sufficient exterior lighting at night, etc.
Political Violence
Uruguay is a stable democratic republic. While there is considerable anti-American sentiment in some circles, this sentiment rarely takes violent form. There are some political protests that tend to target the U.S. Embassy, but political violence has been minimal in recent years. However, during the visit of President Bush in March 2007, there was one violent protest in the downtown area that involved vandalism (using incendiary devices, rocks and paint bombs) against American and foreign businesses, along with anti-American and anti-capitalist graffiti on sidewalks and buildings. Some demonstrators have attacked police, police vehicles and even police precincts, but violence is rare and usually brief. During the March 2007 protest demonstrators trashed an American-owned restaurant. The week prior to the visit a U.S.-affiliated bank ATM was damaged by a small explosive device that detonated between 3 - 4 a.m. This was likely a form of political protest. Two areas prone to demonstrations are Plaza Independencia and Avenida 18 de Julio.
Due to Uruguay’s close proximity to the tri-border region (Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil), plausible illicit financial support activities related to terrorism are a concern in the country. However, as of April 2007, there were no credible reports of direct terrorist threats against American interests in Uruguay. Uruguay’s northern border with Brazil is very porous.
Post-specific Concerns For various socio-economic reasons the crime rate continues to be high. Several embassy homes have experienced attempted and successful break-ins. Single-family homes are more prone to burglary attempts than apartments.
Police Response Uruguayan National Police Officers are well-trained but poorly paid. As a result, many are forced to work second jobs to supplement their income. While on duty, they may appear tired or indifferent. Their poor salaries contribute to morale problems and the potential for petty corruption. A related problem is a shortage of significant resources, funding, and technical knowledge needed to counter crime effectively. A larger problem is that when police catch criminals, the courts often release them. Many crimes are committed by adolescents, who are then released from jail within 24 hours unless they have committed a violent crime.
Police response time to emergencies is inconsistent and depends on the location of the emergency, its severity, and the proximity of the nearest police patrol car. The new 911 emergency system has improved response time significantly, but resource constraints mean there are not always enough police on duty to respond quickly. Once on the scene of an incident, police are generally polite and helpful, but often they cannot do much more than take a report. Most police officers, particularly those assigned to patrol duty, speak only Spanish. Tourist police officers may speak limited English. |
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