In Guyana, it is crucial to avoid situations that could expose you to high levels of crime, including both violent and petty offenses, and to maintain constant vigilance regarding your personal security.
High Crime Risks
Guyana experiences significant levels of crime, which visitors should be well aware of to ensure their safety. Understanding the types of crime and the areas where they are most prevalent can help in avoiding dangerous situations.
Types of Crime to Be Aware Of
When in Guyana, be cautious of:
- Violent Crimes:
- Armed robbery
- Murder
- Carjacking
- Shootings
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Petty Crimes:
- Bag snatching
- Pickpocketing
Areas Where Crime is Common
Petty crimes, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, are common in specific locations. It is advisable to exercise heightened awareness in:
- Tourist areas
- Larger cities
- Public transport
Practical Measures to Avoid Risk
Being proactive about your personal safety is key to a secure visit to Guyana. It's not just about avoiding specific places but also adopting a cautious mindset and behavior.
General Safety Practices
Your personal security should be a top priority at all times. This means consistently being aware of your surroundings and the people near you, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
Specific Actions to Take
To minimize your risk and avoid potential dangers:
- Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Especially in dimly lit or isolated areas, walking alone can make you an easy target.
- Do Not Display Valuables: Keep expensive jewelry, electronics, and large amounts of cash out of sight. Displaying these items can attract unwanted attention from criminals.
- Be Cautious with Possessions: When in tourist areas, larger cities, or on public transport, keep your bags and wallets secure and close to your body to deter bag snatchers and pickpockets.
- Exercise Caution on Public Transport: Be particularly vigilant with your belongings and surroundings when using public transportation.
- Avoid Resisting Armed Confrontation: In the unfortunate event of an armed robbery or similar confrontation, do not resist. Your safety is paramount.
- Research and Plan Routes: Before heading out, especially to unfamiliar areas, understand your route and consider safer transportation options.
Here's a summary of crime types and where to be most vigilant:
| Crime Type | Situations/Areas to Exercise Caution |
|---|---|
| Armed Robbery | General, particularly after dark, when walking alone, or displaying valuables |
| Murder, Shootings | General; awareness of surroundings is critical |
| Carjacking | On roads, in parking lots, especially in less secure areas |
| Kidnapping | General; maintaining a low profile is advised |
| Sexual Assault | General; awareness of surroundings, especially after dark or in isolated areas |
| Bag Snatching | Tourist areas, larger cities, crowded places, public transport |
| Pickpocketing | Tourist areas, larger cities, crowded places, public transport |
