The U.S. Embassy in San Jose reminds U.S. citizens that the holiday season in Costa Rica traditionally correlates with an increase in the frequency of property crimes.  Home invasions, robberies, burglaries, and thefts occur with greater regularity during the period between the end of October and the start of the new year.  The holiday season also tends to correlate with an increase in the number of road rage incidents among drivers.  Please be aware of these trends and take steps to help ensure your security and that of your family and neighbors during this period.

Maintaining Situational Awareness

While many petty crimes are opportunistic and do not involve much preparation, recent patterns of criminal activity suggest that some organizations are conducting significant pre-operational planning and target analysis in advance of major crimes.  This pre-operational planning increases the group’s vulnerability to detection.  If you notice unusual behaviors or individuals (for example, if a vehicle appears to be making unexplained rounds in your neighborhood or individuals appear to be discreetly observing your activities), please don’t hesitate to notify the police.

Please note that annual holiday bonus payments are due to employees byDecember 20, 2015.  The Embassy suggests that U.S. citizens be particularly alert in the days before and after this date, as thieves may select targets with the intent of stealing the annual holiday bonus.  It is advisable to arrange to make holiday bonus payments to employees well in advance of the December 20 deadline.

Residential Security

If you are traveling over the holidays, try to ensure your home does not have any overt indications that it is not occupied.  Ask neighbors to check in on the property occasionally.  Use alarms.  Be sure to lock your grilles and doors and account for all sets of keys.

Road Rage Incidents

It is more important than ever during the holidays to be patient and alert on the roadways.  If you are targeted by a road rage incident, do not exit your vehicle. Roll up your windows and do not escalate the situation.  Do your best to note the tag number, make, and model of the subject vehicle and a description of the driver.  If you are threatened or if a subject assaults you or your vehicle, please, report it to the police as soon as possible.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Costa Rica enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.   STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Costa Rica.  For additional information, refer to the Department’s Traveler’s Checklist.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate in San Jose is located at Av. O Calle 120, Rohrmoser. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is 2519-2000.