U.S. Warns Travelers of ‘Violent Crime,’ Weak Policing in Popular Vacation Hot Spot

Officials are warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to a popular summer tourist destination in light of violent crime rates and a lack of law enforcement resources throughout the country.

The United States Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, according to the agency’s website.

“Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists,” the department said in a statement. “Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.”

The warning, which previously listed the Caribbean vacation destination as a Level 2 advisory, was posted on June 12 following a periodic update, according to a State Department spokesperson.

Countries are assigned advisories from Level 1-4 based on the area’s risk factors, such as civil unrest and natural disasters. (Read more from “U.S. Warns Travelers of ‘Violent Crime,’ Weak Policing in Popular Vacation Hot Spot” HERE)

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