The surge in tourism and real estate development in the Tamarindo area has coincided with an increase in crime. It is, of course, hard to pin down the exact cause of crime trends, but certainly higher rates of youth drug addiction, and the importation of poor migrant workers have played parts. Also, simply enough, there’s more to steal: Where before there were only cattle pastures dotted with humble farm houses, now there are wealthy tourists and North American business people sporting fancy possessions and carrying lots of cash.

The areas that developed the fastest – such as Tamarindo and Flamingo – seem to be the most affected by the crime wave. Even armed break-ins began to be a problem, while police in the area lacked the training and equipment to stop it. Some local communities have hired private security companies to patrol the streets, but that has proven to be a temporary fix.

The crime wave has obviously impacted developments. Freestanding homes are too risky, so people are buying only in gated communities and condominium projects that have 24-hour security.