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What Is The Crime Rate In Jamaica?

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jamaicas_weather_in_march_beach_photo_childrenWhat Is The Crime Rate In Jamaica?

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

When people talk about Jamaica, a few topics are inevitable; music, food, culture, beautiful beaches, warm friendly people and the like. But while these are all positive themes that all Jamaicans are proud of, one other thing we are known for that is quite unsavoury, crime and violence.

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All it takes for people to fall in love with our island is one visit but sometimes people are afraid to even make that first step. Or for others, the question “What is the crime rate in Jamaica?” is Googled just as much as “What food must I try in Jamaica?”

So let’s address the elephant in the room and hopefully, by the end of this, you will have regained some trust in Jamaica.

Is Jamaica Safe?

Jamaica is often described as one of the most dangerous islands in the Caribbean. Admittedly, Jamaica experiences more crime than some other Caribbean islands, in actuality, these crimes are hardly ever aimed at tourists or even regular civilians in Jamaica.

Those who perpetrate these crimes are feuding innercity gang members and those most affected by these crimes. Also, because crimes are often committed against these persons, they hardly ever leave these areas. The areas you will most likely visit, hardly ever experience crimes.

For the year 2022 between January and October, 71% of the crimes committed were gang-related. The rest were associated with interpersonal relationships (family, friends, or business), criminals and mobs. The cause of a few was yet to be determined.

This means that although the crimes and homicides being reported are higher for an island so small, they are not targeted at the average civilian or visitors to the island. But are instead the product of deep routed conflicts between groups of people in certain areas on the island.

Are you safe in your resort?

The safest accommodations you can find in Jamaica are resorts. Resorts often have vigilant security (without it feeling like a detention facility) and there is strength in numbers. It is harder for crimes to be committed on a hotel property as they are more likely to be caught.

Although in most cases your group will be the only guests at a villa, most will have chefs, housekeepers, gardeners and other staff in addition to at least on security. Also in most cases, they are in residential or gated communities which are generally safer.

For Airbnbs you are often fully in charge of your own safety, while they are often in gated communities or residential areas, this is not always the case. Ensure to close windows and doors when leaving for the day or turning in for the night to avoid intrusion.

If your hotel has a beach, it too is safe because it is monitored and that is done by police as well as private security companies contracted by the resort.

Are you safe off the resort in Jamaica?

Some persons aren't aware that you can go off the resort's property while on vacation in Jamaica. Areas around the resort are also generally safe. Additionally, for a little more confidence while you enjoy your shopping trip and excursions, there are often police officers on foot or bike patrol. For the most part, the facilities where you will shop are outfitted with security cameras and private security guards. Some guards are armed.

Not only are they there for security but they can be impromptu tour guides as well. Should you need directions, they are always ready to help and are usually the best people to ask anyway.

Because Jamaica is an island, it is generally easy to take a road trip to other spots. In this case, ensure you know the route or are travelling with someone who does, this way you can avoid ending up in unsavoury areas on the island.

How safe is Montego Bay?

Montego Bay, considered the second city and the tourist capital of Jamaica, sees many tourists each year. The areas of Montego Bay frequented by tourists and civilians are generally safe. But there are surrounding areas that should be avoided. These areas are off the normal route.

  • Kingston - Some areas of Kingston do require heightened alertness for petty theft. And you are encouraged not to visit certain areas at night especially. Again, the areas known for crime and violence are usually not visited frequently by locals either so, there aren’t any notable spots to visit there.

  • Negril - Negril is one of the safest towns on the island. There is hardly any threat to your safety in the town, but it is advised that you apply the same level of awareness as you would on a normal day. You aren’t encouraged to walk on lonely roads at night as you may be subjected to theft. Or, since the roads are narrow and not properly lit you may get hit by a vehicle.

  • Ocho Rios - Ocho Rios is one of the towns most visited in Jamaica, most of its visitors are tourists travelling by air and sea. The Ocho Rios area and most parts of St. Ann in general are relatively safe and do not experience much crime and violence.

  • Falmouth - Although it is primarily known as a cruise port, some resorts are popping up in Falmouth, Trelawny. These resorts cater to guests who are staying on land for their vacation. Falmouth is one of the safest places on the island as it hardly ever experiences crimes.

  • Port Royal - Port Royal today is very different from its pirate past. The quiet fishing village and cruise port now have restaurants and historical attractions that give us a glimpse of Jamaica in the past. The area is relatively safe and there is always the presence of police officers in the area, just in case.

  • Portland - Known for its quietness and natural charm, the parish of Portland is one of the safest on the island. You can enjoy the many breathtaking sights and historical buildings there are in the home of Jerk.

  • South Coast - The south coast comprises parts of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. This is one of the best ways to experience the day-to-day life of the average Jamaican. Being in the rural parts of the island, there are hardly ever reports of crimes in these areas.

  • Mandeville - Though it isn’t a tourist hotspot, it is a haven for returning residents and retirees. The parish is in central Jamaica, making it the perfect starting point for almost any trip. Persons in Manchester benefit from low crime rates, cool weather and a laid-back town with almost all the amenities of the cities.

So while it is unlikely that you will be the target of even petty crimes in Jamaica, some vigilance is required. Do not make yourself a target by bringing your most expensive everything whilst you are out and about.

Limit the amount of cash and jewellery you are in and conceal your phone as best as possible.

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References & Sources For What Is The Crime Rate In Jamaica?

  1. Sylvester, P. (2019) Annoyances in Jamaica: Travel scams, drugs and touts, World Nomads. World Nomads. Available at: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/caribbean/jamaica/jamaica-avoiding-the-local-hassles (Accessed: November 9, 2022).
  2. What are the main causes of crime in Jamaica? (no date) My. Available at: https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/what-are-the-main-causes-of-crime-in-jamaica.html (Accessed: November 9, 2022).

What Is The Crime Rate In Jamaica? | Written: November 10, 2022

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