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This article discusses crime in Suriname.
Crime by type
Murder
In 2012, Suriname had a murder rate of 6.1 per 100,000 population. [1] There were a total of 33 murders in Suriname in 2012. [1]
Illegal drug trade
Suriname is a transit zone for South American cocaine en route to Europe, Africa and to a lesser extent the U.S. [2] Inadequate resources, limited law enforcement training, the absence of a law enforcement presence in the interior, and lack of aircraft or sufficient numbers of patrol boats limit the capacity of the government to control its borders. [2]
There have been sporadic instances of drug trade-related violence between individuals associated with competing drug trafficking organizations. [2] These have included assassinations, drive-by shootings, and hand grenades tossed over residential walls. [2]
Robbery
Robbery, including thefts of backpacks and purses, pickpocketing, [3] theft of jewelry (especially necklaces), and cell phones are regular occurrences. [2] These incidents often occur in those areas frequented by foreigners. [2] Tourist areas are common targets for thieves and muggers who often rob victims of their possessions during the hours of darkness. [2] Residential burglaries are an issue. [2] [3]
There have been reports of tourists and foreigners being robbed while traveling in the countryside, and occasional reports of bandits on rural roads. [2] [3] There have been reports of attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Suriname. [3]
By location
Paramaribo
While some areas of Paramaribo are safer than others, there are no areas that can be considered completely safe. [2] Criminals move without restriction into and out of neighborhoods where expatriates live, often utilizing scooters or motorcycles to evade police. [2] The Paramaribo Central area and the Palmentuin (Palm Garden) area are known to be less than safe after dark. [2] [3] Pick pocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping districts in Paramaribo. [3] [4]
There were a dozen murders of homeless men in Paramaribo between 2006 and 2014, with some of the killings appearing to be ritualistic. [5]
Crime dynamics
Criminals often carry firearms and other weapons and do not hesitate to use them, especially if victims resist. [2] Although the possession of handguns is illegal, many criminals possess them. [2]
See also
References
- ^ a b Global Study on Homicide. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Suriname 2014 Crime and Safety Report", Overseas Security Advisory Council, US State Department, 22 August 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f "Suriname travel advice - Safety and security", United Kingdom Government foreign travel advice.
- ^ Levinson, David (2002). Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment. SAGE. ISBN 978-0-7619-2258-2.
- ^ "Homeless slayings in Suriname capital go unsolved", Jamaica Observer, February 09, 2014.
