Theft Warning!

I think you hit all of the nails right on the head. It is a real shame, but has also said this happens and pretty much any country where there is poverty. And I would feel far more comfortable walking through Limon than South Miami.

One thing to consider also if you live here, is to mix up your travel pattern is much as possible. The worst kinds of robberies are not always the spontaneous knifepoint ones, but the well-planned and executed ones. These usually happen after the thieves spent days or even weeks observing their potential victim and their habits.

A good way to avoid this is to mix up the schedule you are in and out of your house is much as possible and very rarely take the same path to or from your destination. This is something that we learned in the Marine Corps security forces when we needed to keep diplomats safe. Don't give them any intel to work with, and you have less of a chance of becoming a victim.

But that's just my two cents...

Here's an idea.
If you will be carrying a small suitcase, briefcase, laptop etc on your car, put them in a large opaque trash bag or garbage bag. Chances are if it looks like a trash bag the thieves are less likely to think it's valuables. How many tourists would think to do this?

I question whether carrying stuff in a trunk as opposed to a well locked interior is a good idea. Trunks can be easily popped. Many cars with trunks can be opened in 3 seconds by those who know this easy trick. But getting into an interior that is well locked with the windows rolled all the way up is a little more difficult. Just my 2 cents.

As for homes, I personally think that having a dog and some well appointed signs that say "Peligro: Perro Bravo!" or such goes a long way. Maybe even one of those "fake dogs" that when you knock on the door, it sets off a recording of a big dog barking might be worth a try. Of course those who know you and your home would not be fooled but a random roving thief might be. Also lights that come on after dark when someone approaches... And personally I think a sign that says "I shoot thieves" ("Disparo a los ladrones"?) and some regular target practice so neighbors can hear it and see it might be a good idea too.

Thanks Samramon. I did not realize trunks could be so easily opened. I'll change my recommendation on that. I know that when I had my Security trunk made for my car a locksmith told me the standard factory installed lock was not adequate. I had a better one put in and no one has been able to get inside.

I like your idea of using a garbage bag if you absolutely have to leave something in sight in your car when you are not with it. I have a friend that does the same kind of thing with her purse. Whenever she goes to the city of Limon, she puts her purse in a plastic grocery bag and carries it like groceries.

Yes, I've seen a trunk popped very easily and have had it happen to me when I wasn't there to see it (In the USA!). I refrain from explaining how it's done because I don't want to give anyone ideas. ;-D

When I'm going shopping in San Jose' I carry extra money (not too much) in a money belt around my waist and under my pants. I do carry a back pack and fanny pack when I'm traveling because I need to carry an asthma inhaler and some other items. I'm a writer like you, Lisa, and I always like to have my notebook and pen with me, and I like to carry an umbrella, and some other items, and keep my hands free.

I also wear travel pants that have deep pockets on the legs that button down and close with velcro.

I have a fanny pack that has a lock on it and the belt that holds it around my waist has a very hard-to-cut cable through it. I got it at a travel store. I also wear a long shirt or jacket and cover it up so it's not readily visible except when I get into it.

I carry my backpack on the front instead of on my back when I'm in San Jose'. I agree it's best not to carry anything at all but when I'm running around San Jose' I do need some things and so I just carry it this way. I have so far never been mugged, though I was pick-pocketed once in San Jose' before I started carrying my backpack on my front instead of on my back.

I'm know that the down side of carrying my backpack this way is that I attract attention. But at least if someone wants to rob me they're not going to be able to just reach into my backpack. Also I carry pepper spray in my pocket and keep it in my hand if I'm in a bad area, and I will use it at the moment I am pick-pocketed or mugged unless they clearly have a gun (which most do not).

For the casual tourist or newbie who might be reading this, I'd like to point out that not all places in Costa Rica are so prone to crime.

When I am in San Ramon in the day time I do not worry about being robbed or pick-pocketed unless maybe I find myself in a big crowd of people or waiting at the bus station etc. If I'm in a smaller town "out in the boonies" I am careful but do not wear my backpack on my front. I am careful on the buses, yet I have never been pick-pocketed or robbed there and I've been all over Costa Rica and Mexico. Can it happen? Yes. So be careful. But it's mostly just certain areas like San Jose' or Limon that you need to really be ultra careful, imho.

It's just a good idea in general when traveling in any poor country or poor area (and 1 in 5 children in the USA now live in poverty!), to be careful, to be aware that someone may be hungry or need a drug fix. I am more concerned on the streets of downtown Los Angeles than in San Jose! I am wiling to bet you that muggings and killings are higher in places like Los Angeles and New York City than in San Jose'!