Although Cuenca has one of the lowest rates of serious crime, per capita, in Ecuador (only Loja has a lower rate among cities with populations of more than 100,000), petty and property crime are ongoing problems and rates are increasing. According to 2009 national police statistics, overall crime in Cuenca increased 3% over 2008 and many Cuencanos are demanding increased police protection.

According to police, tourists and foreign residents are prime targets.

Retired criminology professor and part-time Cuenca resident Martin Simmons contends that the problem is “manageable,” but says it is up to individuals to keep themselves safe. “In Cuenca, most expats and tourists tend to spend a lot of time on the streets in the downtown area, and most of them are on foot. It’s not surprising that they become victims of pick-pockets and bag snatchers.”

Simmons says many foreigners are victims of what he calls the “gringo bubble” syndrome. “For some reason, we tend to think that the rules we accept back home don’t apply here. They do. In the U.S. or Canada, most of us understand that spending a lot of time on foot in the central city would put us at risk. Here, because Cuenca has a friendly feel about it, we forget this.”

He adds: "I'm hearing about more and more crime against foreigners and my friends in law enforcement say much of it is because they don't protect themsselves."

For the record, says Simmons, Cuenca is safer than almost any city its size in the U.S. if you are considering serious crime and crime involving violence. “If you look at crime statistics, Ecuador has about 30% as many cases, per capita, of murder and aggravated assault. The rate is even lower in Cuenca. So you are statistically safer here from serious harm than in other places.”

Petty and property crime are another matter altogether, says Simmons, who was a professor in San Diego, California, where he still spends part of the year. “This sort of crime is grossly under-reported everywhere in Latin America. There’s definitely quite a lot of it in Cuenca.” His advice: “Be careful. Be smart.”

These standard precautions could save you considerable grief, Simmons says.

1. In restaurants, internet and phone cafes, secure your belongings. In popular downtown restaurants, keep backpacks and bags within sight and wrap straps around your leg or chair legs if necessary. Don’t expose belongings to walk-through traffic aisles. In internet and phone cafes, pick a secure place to sit. Avoid sitting beside an exterior door, especially if your back is turned to it. Again, have bags in plain view and secure the straps if necessary.

2. When you leave your hotel or apartment, take only belongings with you that you think you will need for the particular trip. If you don’t plan to take pictures, leave your camera in your room or hotel safe box.

3. Don’t put all your valuables, such as passports, cash and credit cards and cameras in the same bag. And again, when you leave your room, only take documents and money with you that you will need.

4. Make a color copy of the identification pages of your passport to take with you when you make short trips around the city. Leave the original behind.

5. If you are carrying bags and backpacks in crowded tourist areas or public mercados, wear them on your front instead of on your back.

6. If you are approached by strangers, be aware of diversionary tactics such as the “mustard trick.” In this case, a nicely dressed, well-spoken stranger will attempt to clean something from your bags or clothing. While this is being done and you are being distracted, his associates will be taking belongings. If this, or something similar happens to you, refuse any assistance and move away as quickly as possible. Be suspicious of small groups of strangers who approach you. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, walk into a nearby store or office.

7. If you are walking alone, avoid tight turns when cannot see around a corner due to walls or other obstructions. Continue a few steps in your original direction so you have a full view of the side street or sidewalk before you turn.

8. In the evenings, stay within a few blocks of your hotel and, whenever possible, walk with others whenever possible.

9. Don’t allow strangers into your hotel room or apartment until you are certain that they have legitimate business there.

10. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.

Cuenca Crime-fighting phone numbers:

Emergency: 911
Police: 101 

Photo caption: Cuenca's streets are popular with expats and tourists.

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