If you’re planning to visit the Dominican Republic, the U.S. State Department says you should use extra caution as a rise in violent crime has been reported. On Thursday, the department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the popular Caribbean destination.
The latest advisory comes a little less than a year after the State Department last issued an advisory for the nation. A Level 2 advisory is the second lowest on the agency’s four-tier scale.
Related story: Newest travel warning says Americans have been kidnapped, ransomed in this country
The warning cites ongoing problems with violent crime including robberies, sexual assaults and homicides as cause for concern in the Dominican Republic. Visitors are advised to follow these safety tips during any trips to the Dominican Republic:
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention.
- Be vigilant about where your phone is and avoid using it openly on the street.
- If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting.
- Travel with a partner or group if possible.
- Do not leave food or drinks unattended.
If you are the victim of a crime, the State Department says you will be able to contact the local 911 service, the professional tourist police force (POLITUR), or private security personnel in resorts for assistance. However, the advisory also states that criminals are “rarely caught and prosecuted.”
For more information, visit the travel advisory website.