Faced with the rather troubling amount of crime in certain areas, some foreigners have begun taking measures to protect themselves. The following are a few options:

Security guard: There are security companies that will either rent you a well-trained guard or come to the scene if your house alarm is tripped. See the resource section for a few examples. You can also hire a guard yourself, but be careful to get good references and follow all the labor laws regarding social security and minimum wage.

Guns: You must be a resident to own a gun in Costa Rica. You also must pass a background check, attend a training course, and pass a written test that, while not difficult, is in Spanish. Once you have a license, you may carry a concealed weapon.

Dogs: Some people use dogs as alarm systems in their homes. This, however, is not a good use of a family pet, as guard dogs regularly get poisoned. If you’re using a dog as a deterrent to burglary, be prepared to lose it.

Though the situation in Costa Rica may sound dire after this little run-down, remember that Costa Rica is a series of micro-climates, micro-markets, and micro-communities. Some people have lived in Costa Rica for decades and never had a single problem. Others get robbed several times a year. It’s a function of your own alertness, the area in which you live, and shifting criminal activity.