Colombia: Robbery rates increase in Bogotá

Event

Bogotá city authorities released a report on Tuesday, November 6, showing increased crime rates through August compared to 2017 statistics. Theft jumped by 51.2 percent compared to 2017, with 66,365 reported incidents of theft from January through August 2018. Certain neighborhoods experienced a particularly sharp increase in crime; reported incidents from January through September in Usaquén increased by 105 percent and there was a 126 percent increase in Chapinero. Eastern districts of the capital, including Chapinero, Santa Fe, La Candelaria, and Teusaquillo, are the most prone to armed robbery. Additionally, Ciudad Bolívar, which typically experiences the most murders of Bogotá neighborhoods, reported a total of 180 homicides in 2018 for a rate of 26.35 per 100,000 inhabitants, approximately 2 points higher than the national average.

Advice

Individuals in Bogotá are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity, report all suspicious or criminal activity to authorities, avoid overt displays of wealth, and be particularly cautious of their surroundings when using ATMs. Remember that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and avoid eye contact.