Warden Message: Belize Armed Robberies

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Belmopan issued the following Warden Message on November 06:

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan alerts U.S. citizens to information regarding recent armed robberies occurring in Belmopan and the Placencia Peninsula.  There is no current information available to suggest the perpetrators were attempting to target U.S. citizens.

On November 3, 2009 at 8:15pm an expatriate resident of Belize was returning to his home in the Plantation Area of the Placencia Peninsula when he was suddenly approached by two male persons; one of whom pointed a handgun at him.  A struggle ensued and the resident was hit in the head, searched, and his cellular phone taken.  The crime is still under investigation by the Placencia Police.

On November 4, 2009, at approximately 8:00pm, two males wearing red bandanas and armed with a pistol, committed a robbery at Daniel’s Store, located at the intersection of Zennia Boulevard and Floral Park Road in Belmopan.  The store was robbed of cash and merchandise, but no employees or customers were harmed during the incident.  Initial indications are that the choice of location appears to have been simply a target of opportunity. 

U.S. citizens who are travelers or residents of Belize are reminded that the frequency of these types of incidents may increase throughout Belize during the holiday season.  Travelers or residents are reminded to exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas, and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, as well as ensuring doors and windows are locked in their homes, hotel rooms, and cars.  Purses, bags, wallets, and other valuables should be kept secure whether in public, in hotel rooms, or in a home.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling

1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for inquirers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living in or traveling to Belize are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at:

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

By registering Americans Citizens can obtain updated information on travel and security within Belize, and make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. 

The U.S. Embassy is located at #4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Belize; Tel: 501-822-4011 8:00am to 5:00pm—or for emergencies after hours, weekends, and holidays at 501-610-5030, Fax: 501-822-4050; E-mail:  ACSBelize@state.gov; Website: Belize.usembassy.state.gov.