Peru: Safety Advisory Information (July to September 2024: Cases of Victimization of Japanese Nationals)
October 1, 2024
1. Social and Security Situation
1. Since the impeachment of the former president by Congress on December 7, 2022, and the subsequent inauguration of the new president, over a year has passed, and protests demanding the president’s resignation and early elections have subsided. However, states of emergency remain in some mountainous areas, border regions, and certain areas in Tumbes and La Libertad, as well as along specific national roads and their adjacent 500 meters. A new state of emergency for security measures has been declared in 13 districts of Lima (including Ate, Ancón, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, Los Olivos, Lurigancho-Chosica, Puente Piedra, Rímac, San Martín de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, Santa Rosa, and Villa El Salvador) and in Ventanilla, Callao constitutional province, indicating that the social and security situation remains fluid. As noted in Section 2(1), there is a marked increase in crime rates, and as indicated in Section 2(2)(a), incidents of theft affecting Japanese nationals have surged, necessitating heightened vigilance when going out.
2. Popular tourist sites like Machu Picchu have faced disruptions, such as railway service interruptions due to demonstrations blocking tracks and landslides caused by heavy rain. In such cases, the only means of transportation may be on foot, so it is essential to seek the latest information.
3. Terrorist organizations continue to operate in some mountainous areas, using drug trafficking as a funding source, and have carried out armed attacks against military and police forces.
2. Trends in General and Violent Crimes
1. Overall Crime Trends
• In 2023, the number of reported criminal offenses rose to 570,890 nationwide (a 19% increase from the previous year). Since 2021, following the lifting of various COVID-19 restrictions, crime rates have surged, particularly in urban areas.
• The statistics show property crimes such as robbery and theft at 379,357 incidents (an increase of 79,262 cases, or 26% from the previous year), with most occurring in Lima and Callao. These numbers are based solely on reports made to the police, suggesting that many more crimes go unreported.
2. Specific Criminal Activities
• After the end of the pandemic, there have been reports of crimes targeting foreign tourists on long-distance buses and taxi robberies. Criminals have been known to take passengers to secluded areas under false pretenses, where they are then robbed. There have also been cases of drugging passengers through food or drinks, resulting in theft. It is advisable to avoid traveling at night, choose reputable companies that thoroughly vet their drivers and passengers, and avoid unregistered taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Even in relatively safe areas such as Miraflores and San Isidro, there have been increases in thefts and robberies carried out by motorcycle-riding criminals. Be particularly cautious of wearing expensive items and carrying valuables.
• The incidence of theft targeting pedestrians using mobile phones has dramatically increased, often leading to violent encounters. Statistics indicate over 5,000 mobile phone thefts occur daily, so it’s crucial to recognize that your phone can be seen as a target and to avoid confrontation in the event of theft.
• Robbers often use accomplices disguised as regular people stationed at various locations (e.g., storefronts, banks, ATMs) to scout potential victims. It is vital to keep your belongings discreet and avoid flashy clothing to not draw attention to yourself. Particularly common are assaults immediately after victims have withdrawn money from financial institutions.
3. Notable Criminal Incidents Involving Japanese Nationals
• Theft: A victim traveling on a bus from Ica to Lima had their belongings stolen while briefly stepping off the bus during a break.
• Theft: A tourist in Cusco had their passport stolen from a pouch they were wearing.
• Theft: A victim touring Rainbow Mountain had their belongings stolen from the tour bus.
4. Criminal Incidents in Areas with High Japanese Resident Populations
• Robbery: A victim in Jesús María, Lima, was robbed at gunpoint after getting out of their car at night.
• Extortion: A dentist in Santiago de Surco, Lima, faced extortion threats, and when they refused to comply, the criminals detonated a grenade outside their clinic.
• Theft: A group of thieves broke into a cellphone store during the night in a shopping center in San Borja, Lima, stealing phones and cash.
• Theft: A group of burglars was arrested in Santiago de Surco after repeatedly breaking into homes by ringing doorbells to confirm residents were absent.
• Robbery with Injury: A victim in Jesús María was shot after resisting a robbery attempt.
• Theft: In La Molina, Lima, an individual attempting to steal a luxury car was caught by patrol officers.
• Robbery: A man armed with a gun entered a hospital pharmacy in Jesús María and stole medications and cash.
• Theft: In San Isidro, Lima, a thief posing as a runner stole a cellphone and bag from a drunken victim.
• Murder: A man involved in prostitution was killed in a commercial area in Lince, Lima, due to a rivalry.
• Robbery: A victim was robbed in Miraflores while parked and chatting with friends outside their car at night.
• Robbery: A surfing instructor was carjacked in Miraflores, and afterward, the thieves contacted him demanding cash in exchange for the return of rental surfboards.
• Robbery: A university student was robbed in front of their apartment in Miraflores at around 9 PM, despite being in a populated area.
5. Refund Issues
• There have been reports of individuals who booked tours in Peru through online platforms being unable to receive refunds for canceled tours. When booking through online travel agencies, it is strongly recommended to verify cancellation policies and ensure the agency is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru (MINCETUR). Registered travel agencies must comply with regulations, and you can verify their registration status and information by following the procedures outlined below (in Spanish). Additionally, confirming registration with IATA (International Air Transport Association) can also help assess the agency’s reliability.
3. Terrorism and Bomb Incident Status
In some regions of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River Valley (VRAEM), clashes between armed groups and security forces continue to occur. The state of emergency in these areas is expected to be extended. The Japanese government has issued a level 3 travel advisory (advising against travel) for these regions, and entry is prohibited for any reason.
4. Kidnapping and Extortion Incident Status
In Peru, incidents of kidnapping targeting minors and short-term kidnappings for withdrawing cash from ATMs have been reported, particularly in Lima. Additionally, there have been cases of extortion, threats, and murders targeting wealthy individuals.
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