Yes, I do agree with this statement......
rellosk said:
One thing for sure, I don't feel as safe in the DR as I once have.
Things definitely are not as they once were. We used to walk several kilometers in the evening after dark, whereas now we limit our stroll to a few blocks. We didn't used to have muggings and the Politur carried firearms and were a visible presence that responded to 'threats'. They knew all the 'regulars' and strangers to the area were observed closely and questioned frequently.
The Politur are still around, although not as visible as in previous years, and heaven forbid that you should need their help. The year we were mugged one of the perpetrators was wearing a Politur shirt!???
Has crime gotten worse....Yes.
Is it more violent......Yes.
Are there drugs where none were before.....Yes.
Is it any different than in country we came from.....NO
Every country in the Western hemisphere is feeling the effect of increasing drug use and increasing crime.
We are also not as safe in Canada as we used to be.....the difference is in the way crime is treated - in the way the police and judicial system function.
Does that mean we shouldn't be in the DR??
If one answers yes then one must consider if it also means we shouldn't be in our 'home' country.
It is each persons' responsibility to ensure their own safety by doing the right things to be safe wherever you happen to be.
I used to be able to leave my front door unlocked when I left the house (in Canada) however now it is a matter of safety to ensure that it is locked....
So be smart and be safe and remember.....schitt happens!