Information on overseas safety measures for the first quarter (January – March 2024) summarizing recent crime trends in Uruguay and damage to Japanese residents in the country.
Those who are currently in Uruguay or who plan to stay in Uruguay in the future are advised to pay attention to the latest trends and act with due caution to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
Information on Overseas Safety Measures (Uruguay) First Quarter of 2024 (January – March)
https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-interior/sites/ministerio-interior/files/documentos/publicaciones/Homicidios%20extendido%20%202023%20-%202024.pdfCrime statistics (burglaries and thefts) for the year 2024 (January-March)
2 Trends in General and Violent Crime
(1) Murder, robbery, theft
Until recently, Uruguay was said to be a relatively safe country in South America, but in 2018, the number of homicides reached a record high of 416 (11.8 per 100,000 population) and robberies 29,904, and since then, there has been no improvement in security and the incidents are becoming more violent. The number of robberies has not improved since then, and the incidents are becoming more and more violent.
According to the crime statistics for 2023 published by the Ministry of the Interior, 85% of homicide victims are male. The causes of homicides are as follows: 50% of all homicides are due to conflicts and retaliation against criminal organizations and drug traffickers, 19% are accidental homicides such as resisting a criminal, 8% are due to domestic violence and domestic violence, 7% are related to robbery, and 3% are other (13% are of unknown causes).
One of the most noticeable trends in recent years has been the attempts on the part of the police to defuse the escalating war between drug gangs by introducing new equipment (such as the Shotspotter, an acoustic locating system) and enhanced gear. In particular, several districts on the outskirts of Montevideo Province have been designated as areas of priority vigilance, and although a large number of police and Republican Guard (special forces) have been deployed, the situation has not yet reached the point of adequate security control.
Until recently, Uruguay was said to be a relatively safe country in South America, but in 2018, the number of homicides reached a record high of 416 (11.8 per 100,000 population) and robberies 29,904, and since then, there has been no improvement in security and the incidents are becoming more violent. The number of robberies has not improved since then, and the incidents are becoming more and more violent.
According to the crime statistics for 2023 published by the Ministry of the Interior, 85% of homicide victims are male. The causes of homicides are as follows: 50% of all homicides are due to conflicts and retaliation against criminal organizations and drug traffickers, 19% are accidental homicides such as resisting a criminal, 8% are due to domestic violence and domestic violence, 7% are related to robbery, and 3% are other (13% are of unknown causes).
One of the most noticeable trends in recent years has been the attempts on the part of the police to defuse the escalating war between drug gangs by introducing new equipment (such as the Shotspotter, an acoustic locating system) and enhanced gear. In particular, several districts on the outskirts of Montevideo Province have been designated as areas of priority vigilance, and although a large number of police and Republican Guard (special forces) have been deployed, the situation has not yet reached the point of adequate security control.
Homicides: 382 (-0.3% compared to 383 in the previous year)
Robberies: 22,390 (-4.4% compared to the previous year (23,427))
Thefts: 112,747 (-2.7% compared to the previous year (115,921))
Domestic violence: 40,026 cases (up 3.9% from the previous year (38,512 cases))
Reference
Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay
Crime statistics for 2023 (Homicide)
Crime statistics (burglaries and thefts) for 2023
3 Incidents of Terrorism and Explosions
No incidents have been reported.
4 Incidents of crimes involving Japanese nationals
On March 6, 2024 (Wed.) at around 10:00 a.m., three robbers entered the home of a Japanese couple living in the Manga area, detained the couple, and stole their money and goods. The couple was in great physical and mental pain, but they escaped with their lives.
Cautionary Note
Robberies and other crimes tend to occur at night when there are few pedestrians around, but they occur regardless of time and place. In addition, handguns and other weapons are increasingly being used as weapons in recent crimes. When going out, please be aware of the possibility of encountering various forms of crime and be alert to your surroundings. In addition, drug gangs have been intensifying their wars against each other, and although law enforcement agencies are stepping up their crackdowns, the reality is that they are not fully prepared to deal with the situation. Please be sure to stay out of areas where drug wars are taking place, and avoid driving through dangerous areas.
In recent years, robberies and thefts have occurred in the Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Buseo, and Parque Llodos areas, which were once considered relatively safe, so please exercise caution.
Major areas where drug wars have been identified
Villas Española, Cerrito de la Victoria, Las Acacias (Marconi, Coppola, etc.), Casabaje, Haldines del Ipodromo, Malvin Norte, Cruz de Carrasco, Carrasco Norte, Marronhas, Flor de Maroñas District, Cerro District, Cerro Norte District, La Paloma District, Casabo District, etc., mainly in the suburban areas of Montevideo (eastern, northern and western).
5 Safety Issues for Japanese Companies
Recently, robberies using guns and other weapons have been occurring on a daily basis in Uruguay. In addition, since foreigners are generally regarded as “wealthy,” the possibility that Japanese companies and their related persons may become targets of robbery or kidnapping cannot be ruled out. In particular, given the small population of Asians in Uruguay, Japanese nationals may become targets of attack based on appearance alone. If you encounter a robbery, please do not resist, shout, run away, or take any other actions that may provoke the perpetrator. Also, please keep your eyes down and try not to look at the perpetrator’s face. Also, do not carry any visible jewelry (necklaces, watches, etc.) or valuables such as passports unless necessary.
It is also essential to act with an awareness of the “three principles of safety,” which are “be inconspicuous,” “do not let your actions be foreseen,” and “be vigilant,” and to “protect yourself.
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