crime on the rise

Petty crime (mostly pickpocketing) is rampant in Quito. It's a known problem and has been for years. However, over the last month we've heard more stories of violent crimes. Each moment on the street I must have my guard up and am constantly looking around to see who my company is. Paranoia has taken over my life.

Also within the last week there have been too many experiences to relate of people I know being robbed, pickpocketed, assaulted, etc. It's not so much fun.

For any of you who are in Quito, or planning on visiting, don't be detered from visiting--this city has many wonderful things. Just be really careful. It gets dark at 6, so even though 730 seems like a safe time to still be walking on the street, watch your surroundings and take a cab if possible--it has proven to be unsafe to be on the street at this time.

For me, living in a city has many perks. I love being able to walk around and see what's going on in my neighborhood, or walk to the market to get my veggies or meet friends for a juice or coffee. But the security of a cab ride is preferable to a paranoid walk down the street with the same end goal. Plus, cabs are relatively cheap here--with a minimum of a dollar in the daytime (about a 5 minute ride costs a dollar) and a dollar-fifty starting at 10pm, it's a good choice.

The moral of the story: keep your eyes open, use your brain, and take a cab.

written by  Theresa on November 15, 2008 from Quito, Ecuador
from the travel blog: Adventures in Teaching and Living in Ecuador
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