U.S. Embassy Travel Advisory:

Security Message
U.S. Embassy, Belmopan, Belize
March 14, 2012

Criminal Activity in Stann Creek District

This message is to inform U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Belize
to an increase in serious crime in the Stann Creek district,
particularly in the villages of Sittee River and Seine Bight. Several
U.S. citizen residents have been the victim of home invasion robberies
and assaults. Mango's Restaurant in Seine Bight, popular with U.S.
citizens, was the scene of a recent armed robbery and shooting.

At this time, there is no indication that U.S. citizens are being
specifically targeted; the victims appear to be targets of opportunity.
We remind travelers and residents to exercise caution when in unfamiliar
areas, and encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, and ensure
doors and windows are locked in your homes, hotel rooms, and cars.
Purses, bags, wallets, and other valuables should be kept secure whether
in public, in hotel rooms, or in a home. Residents who return home and
believe their house may have been broken into should not enter the home
until they are sure the scene is safe.

Report all crimes directly to the local Belize Police Department. U.S.
citizens should also report crimes to the U.S. Embassy by calling
+501-822-4011 during business hours or calling the duty officer
+501-610-5030 outside business hours. Alternatively, U.S. citizens may
report crimes via e-mail at [email protected]. The U.S. Embassy may
assist victims of crime in navigating the local criminal justice
process. Additionally, some victims of crime may be eligible for crime
victim assistance in the United States.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular
Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current
Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health
information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security
can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for inquirers in
other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These
numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living in or traveling to Belize are encouraged to
register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website at:

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

By enrolling, U.S. citizens can obtain updated information on travel and
security within Belize, and make it easier for the Embassy to contact
them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may
register directly with the embassy.

The U.S. Embassy is located at #4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan City,
Belize; Tel: 501-822-4011 8:00am to 5:00pm-or for emergencies after
hours, weekends, and holidays at 501-610-5030, Fax: 501-822-4050;
E-mail: [email protected]; Website:
https://Belize.usembassy.state.gov.

Regards,

American Citizen Services
Embassy of the United States
Belmopan, Cayo, Belize
Tel: 501-822-4011, ext. 4225 or 4226
Fax: 501-822-4050
[email protected]

Dr Walkabout Buzzard