While visiting the US, I could not resist taking a picture of this bicycle "secured" to a fence post at a local bus stop. Anyone who has been in Costa Rica for any length of time would quickly deduct that this photo was not taken in Costa Rica, for anyone foolish enough to leave a bike in this way, would not have a bike at the end of the day. This is a sad reality about life here, that no matter what you may have, you'd best be advised to look after it well.
I offer a few examples: I will not leave my door open if I am going to pick fruit at the far end of our yard. We started taking this precaution after a neighbor had a boom box stolen from beside an open back door while he was inside watching television. Now, on the other hand, in suburban Colorado, I walked through neighborhoods where garages, overflowing with goodies, were left open to the street. Yes, these valuable goods may have been stolen, but the owners of the homes felt enough confidence that they were fairly relaxed about the risk. At a restaurant in Colorado, my sisters left their purses and a camcorder on the table while they went to the salad bar. They felt that the presence of all of our kids at an adjacent table was enough security. Upon nearly hyperventilating at the sight of their "carelessness", I realized how accustomed I have become to needing to constantly guard everything.
This is one of the biggest differences about living in Costa Rica. No, it's not the worst in the world, but a difference that people considering a huge transition should consider. The other day, I read about a man and his wife who have been the victims of crime here in Costa Rica, repeatedly. After numerous thefts at their modest home and even a potentially deadly attack, they finally posted to an online community their most recent losses. In their absence, all of the roofing and gates to their property were stolen. This is not the first time I have read about such ruthless behavior. I have read about a woman who was left with her child in the car after a terrible accident by thieves who took advantage of the situation and cleaned her car out of all valuables including the tires. They did not call for help. I also met a family of eight at the US Embassy, who had all of their belongings stolen from their high security resort condo while they slept upstairs. We ourselves, were forced to relocate for several months after repeated harassment by a neighbor. Despite all our best efforts with the law and court system, this individual was never held accountable for his actions and still holds a public office.
The threat of crime may be present in the United States as well, however there also exists the risk of getting caught. In Costa Rica, thieves have the luxury of a police force that seldom enforces the law, and a judicial system that does not work in the favor of the victim. It is just too easy to be a criminal here. The fact that theft is so rampant here, and getting worse, leaves all of us "expats" with a major shift in lifestyle. Enjoying the peace and serenity of nature comes with bars and guards, big dogs and the constant need to watch out and lock everything up.
For anyone interested in reading more personal experiences of people living here in Costa Rica including the recent thread "Beware, this is a negative report" here is a direct link to Costa Rica Living.
I offer a few examples: I will not leave my door open if I am going to pick fruit at the far end of our yard. We started taking this precaution after a neighbor had a boom box stolen from beside an open back door while he was inside watching television. Now, on the other hand, in suburban Colorado, I walked through neighborhoods where garages, overflowing with goodies, were left open to the street. Yes, these valuable goods may have been stolen, but the owners of the homes felt enough confidence that they were fairly relaxed about the risk. At a restaurant in Colorado, my sisters left their purses and a camcorder on the table while they went to the salad bar. They felt that the presence of all of our kids at an adjacent table was enough security. Upon nearly hyperventilating at the sight of their "carelessness", I realized how accustomed I have become to needing to constantly guard everything.
This is one of the biggest differences about living in Costa Rica. No, it's not the worst in the world, but a difference that people considering a huge transition should consider. The other day, I read about a man and his wife who have been the victims of crime here in Costa Rica, repeatedly. After numerous thefts at their modest home and even a potentially deadly attack, they finally posted to an online community their most recent losses. In their absence, all of the roofing and gates to their property were stolen. This is not the first time I have read about such ruthless behavior. I have read about a woman who was left with her child in the car after a terrible accident by thieves who took advantage of the situation and cleaned her car out of all valuables including the tires. They did not call for help. I also met a family of eight at the US Embassy, who had all of their belongings stolen from their high security resort condo while they slept upstairs. We ourselves, were forced to relocate for several months after repeated harassment by a neighbor. Despite all our best efforts with the law and court system, this individual was never held accountable for his actions and still holds a public office.
The threat of crime may be present in the United States as well, however there also exists the risk of getting caught. In Costa Rica, thieves have the luxury of a police force that seldom enforces the law, and a judicial system that does not work in the favor of the victim. It is just too easy to be a criminal here. The fact that theft is so rampant here, and getting worse, leaves all of us "expats" with a major shift in lifestyle. Enjoying the peace and serenity of nature comes with bars and guards, big dogs and the constant need to watch out and lock everything up.
For anyone interested in reading more personal experiences of people living here in Costa Rica including the recent thread "Beware, this is a negative report" here is a direct link to Costa Rica Living.
1 comment:
I can surely relate. I was home 3 years ago and was frankly termed paronoid by my friends because I have become so accustommed to guarding my stuff.
They just don't understand that Costa Rica WILL change you.
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