Crime and Paranoia
I have about a week left in the DR before I get on a one-way plane ride back to Boston. Looking back, I can honestly say that there are many precautions I take these days that I never would have worried about 6 years ago.
Crime is one thing, violent crime is another. There's simply no reason to shoot someone for the cell-phone and/or wallet but it's happening more and more. The chief of police said that 68% of all DR crimes are committed with a gun. Life has become very cheap.
People don't have to be paranoid but you do have to be vigilant. Pay attention to everything and everyone and never, ever fully trust anyone. Sounds pessimistic but it's true. Be wary - especially if they wear a suit and fancy themselves a "professional." I was given the same advice when I moved here and I've let my guard down for very few people. Good choice.
* Personally, I was robbed once....2:30PM in Gazcue...one guy on a motorcycle ripped the chain right off my neck...very fast...I was lucky that was it.
RHM
I have about a week left in the DR before I get on a one-way plane ride back to Boston. Looking back, I can honestly say that there are many precautions I take these days that I never would have worried about 6 years ago.
Crime is one thing, violent crime is another. There's simply no reason to shoot someone for the cell-phone and/or wallet but it's happening more and more. The chief of police said that 68% of all DR crimes are committed with a gun. Life has become very cheap.
People don't have to be paranoid but you do have to be vigilant. Pay attention to everything and everyone and never, ever fully trust anyone. Sounds pessimistic but it's true. Be wary - especially if they wear a suit and fancy themselves a "professional." I was given the same advice when I moved here and I've let my guard down for very few people. Good choice.
* Personally, I was robbed once....2:30PM in Gazcue...one guy on a motorcycle ripped the chain right off my neck...very fast...I was lucky that was it.
RHM