Ecuador 2013 Crime and Safety Report: Quito

Key notes:

Ecuador is rated “critical” for both crime and residential security by the State Department. Crime is a severe problem. Crimes against U.S. citizens in the past year have ranged from petty theft to violent offenses, including armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and several instances of murder and attempted murder. Very low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals--due to limited police and judicial resources--contribute to the high crime rate. Police coverage is sparse outside major urban areas. The Embassy recommends traveling in groups at all times.Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, robbery, bag-slashing, and hotel room theft are the most common types of crimes committed against U.S. citizens. These incidents have increased significantly in recent years.Pickpockets and other petty thieves are active in tourist areas, airports, restaurants, on public transportation, in crowded streets, bus terminals, public markets, and grocery stores. Backpackers and travelers carrying laptop computer bags are targeted for robbery. Violent crime has increased over the last few years, with American citizens being victims of crimes, to include, but not limited to, homicides, armed assaults, robberies, sexual assaults, and home invasions. Armed or violent robberies can occur in all parts of Ecuador, not just the major cities. Many travelers have been robbed after using ATMs or when exiting banks. In some cases, robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails. Robberies and assaults against taxi passengers, known locally as “secuestro express” continue to present a significant safety concern, especially in Guayaquil and Manta but also with increasing regularity in Quito. Shortly after the passenger enters a taxi, the vehicle is typically intercepted by armed accomplices of the driver, who threaten passengers with weapons, rob passengers of their personal belongings, and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Increasingly, victims have been beaten or raped during these incidents. Incidents of sexual assault and rape have increased, including in well-traveled tourist areas. Criminals generally target women who are alone and use alcohol or incapacitating drugs on unsuspecting tourists to rob and/or sexually assault them. These so-called date-rape drugs disorient the victim and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. Since September 2009, at least four U.S. citizens have been victims of murder. In most cases, the victims and alleged perpetrators knew each other.

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation Ecuador is rated “critical” for both crime and residential security by the State Department. Crime is a severe problem. Crimes against U.S. citizens in the past year have ranged from petty theft to violent offenses, including armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and several instances of murder and attempted murder. Very low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals--due to limited police and judicial resources--contribute to the high crime rate. Police coverage is sparse outside major urban areas. The Embassy recommends traveling in groups at all times. Crime Threats Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, robbery, bag-slashing, and hotel room theft are the most common types of crimes committed against U.S. citizens. These incidents have increased significantly in recent years. Pickpockets and other petty thieves are active in tourist areas, airports, restaurants, on public transportation, in crowded streets, bus terminals, public markets, and grocery stores. Backpackers and travelers carrying laptop computer bags are targeted for robbery. Violent crime has increased over the last few years, with American citizens being victims of crimes, to include, but not limited to, homicides, armed assaults, robberies, sexual assaults, and home invasions. Armed or violent robberies can occur in all parts of Ecuador, not just the major cities. Many travelers have been robbed after using ATMs or when exiting banks. In some cases, robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails. Robberies and assaults against taxi passengers, known locally as “secuestro express” continue to present a significant safety concern, especially in Guayaquil and Manta but also with increasing regularity in Quito. Shortly after the passenger enters a taxi, the vehicle is typically intercepted by armed accomplices of the driver, who threaten passengers with weapons, rob passengers of their personal belongings, and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Increasingly, victims have been beaten or raped during these incidents. Incidents of sexual assault and rape have increased, including in well-traveled tourist areas. Criminals generally target women who are alone and use alcohol or incapacitating drugs on unsuspecting tourists to rob and/or sexually assault them. These so-called date-rape drugs disorient the victim and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. Since September 2009, at least four U.S. citizens have been victims of murder. In most cases, the victims and alleged perpetrators knew each other. Overall Road Safety Situation Although some roads and highways have greatly improved in recent years, road travel can still be dangerous, especially at night. Some roads are poorly maintained or are affected by heavy rains and mudslides. Mountain roads may lack safety features such as crash barriers or guard rails, and conditions are frequently made more treacherous by heavy fog. Highways are often unmarked and unlit and do not have signs indicating destinations. In addition, slow-moving buses and trucks frequently stop unexpectedly in the middle of the road. In the countryside, livestock is often herded along roads or grazes on roadsides. Lacking sidewalks, many roads are also used by pedestrians. Road travel after dark is especially hazardous in all areas of the country. Driving practices differ from U.S. standards, and drivers often disobey traffic laws and signals. Drivers often turn right and left from any lane and rarely yield to pedestrians and cyclists.You might encounter intoxicated drivers at any time, though the chances of a drunk-driving accident are higher on weekends and national holidays. On the coast in particular, many vehicles are poorly maintained, and breakdowns are common. If you are the driver of a vehicle involved in an automobile accident, even if you are not at fault, you may be taken into police custody, especially if injuries are involved or if you do not have insurance. If injuries or damages are serious, you may face criminal charges. In all areas, buses stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers. Intra- and inter-city bus passengers are often targets of crime, including robbery and sexual assault. Luggage stowed below the bus or at a traveler’s feet is sometimes stolen. Numerous bus accidents occur every year, and many buses are overcrowded, poorly maintained, and lack seat belts or other safety features. There have been instances in which routes between cities are blocked by criminals, who force the bus to stop and then board the bus to rob passengers. In Guayaquil, security on public transportation is a major concern. Armed criminals have been known to board local city buses and rob passengers of jewelry, money, and other valuables. “Smash and grabs” occur when thieves break into parked vehicles but have also been known to occur in slow-moving or stopped traffic, particularly when females are driving alone. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Unrest Ecuador does not have a tradition of substantial guerrilla activity or of frequent violence as a result of demonstrations or political instability. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns The political violence in Colombia has a spillover effect in northern Ecuador. Security on the northern border with Colombia, where the majority of Ecuador's oil deposits are, is particularly tenuous. The area is used as a transshipment point for precursor chemicals in illegal drug production and for arms and supplies for Colombian insurgent groups and narco-traffickers. Businesses in the area continue to report being extorted for protection money. The Ecuadorian military and government agencies are increasing efforts to promote development and provide security in this area. Civil Unrest Student, labor union, and indigenous protests against government policies are a regular feature of political life. While disruptive, especially to transportation, violence is usually limited and localized. Protestors often block city streets and rural highways, and public transportation tends to be disrupted during these incidents. Protestors also occasionally burn tires, throw Molotov cocktails, engage in destruction of property, and detonate small improvised explosive devices during demonstrations, but fatalities as a result of protests have been rare. Pamphlet bombs are sometimes used to disseminate political literature. Six such bombs exploded in November and December 2011, all without serious injury to person or property (although one had the potential to be lethal), and none targeted businesses or business interests. Popular protests in 1997, 2000, and 2005 contributed to the removal of three elected presidents before the ends of their terms. Religious or Ethnic Violence Some communities have used protests and strikes to obtain promises of increased government spending on social benefits and infrastructure. Some indigenous communities opposed to development have protested to block access by petroleum and mining companies. In September 2009, one individual was killed near Macas during protests by indigenous communities against the government’s proposed mining and water laws. The government charged demonstrators with “terrorism and sabotage,” or similar charges that effectively criminalize protest, for obstructing roads and public services. Post-specific Concerns Environmental Hazards Potential environmental threats include: volcanoes, flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis. In the event of a natural disaster, transportation, water, communications, and power systems may fail due to damaged infrastructure or heavy ash fall. Roads may close, and flights in or out of Ecuadorian airports might be cancelled due to adverse conditions. Ecuador has many active and potentially active volcanoes, including around Quito and other popular tourist destinations. Three active volcanoes within 100 kilometers of Quito threaten the city primarily with ash fall. Baños, a popular tourist destination, is located at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Tungurahua has erupted explosively several times in the last decade, including several eruptions throughout 2010, 2011, and 2012 that produced significant ash fall. Mud or lava flows could pose a significant and immediate threat, especially on the western side of Baños. If you are in Baños when a volcanic eruption occurs, stay alert to the sirens and instructions from local authorities, and follow the arrows on the street to reach the evacuation shelters in Santa Ana on the east side of town, toward Puyo. Earthquakes sometimes trigger deadly tsunamis, which could strike coastal areas of Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. Ecuadorian national authorities put out warnings of potential tsunamis, but the response on the local level is uneven, and on one recent occasion in the Galapagos Islands, there was no coordinated evacuation when a tsunami struck. Industrial and Transportation Accidents The government acknowledged that the number of on-the-job injuries was underreported seriously. According to the Social Security Institute, the Ministry of Labor Relations, and the Ministry of Health, approximately 15,000 on-the-job injuries were reported each year. The ILO estimated the true number at approximately 160,000. Violations were reportedly common in the banana, palm oil, flower, and gold-mining industries, particularly involving exposure to toxic chemicals. Several inter-city bus accidents that resulted in numerous fatalities were partially attributed to a lack of enforcement of limits for drivers’ work hours. Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Thefts Increasing numbers of U.S. citizens have fallen victim to fraud related to their credit or debit cards. “Skimming,” the theft of credit card information during an otherwise legitimate transaction, is likely to occur in restaurants or bars in which the victim's card is out of the owner’s view. Drug-related crimes The threat of violence associated with narco-trafficking is well documented. The amount of drugs flowing through Ecuador, estimated to be in excess of 100 metric tons of cocaine a year, has contributed to the rise of all types of crime, to include violent crime. Homicide rates have continued to increase over the last 11 years and has a direct correlation to the increased flow of drugs over this same period. Traditional Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO), especially those with a propensity for violence, such as the notorious Mexican Sinaloa and Gulf Cartels, are present. An example of this violence is the death in March 2011, of an Ecuadorian National Police and DEA Vetted Unit member, Darwin Anrango, who was killed by Colombian drug traffickers after being compromised on surveillance in support of an anti-drug operation. This DTO was working directly with a Mexican Sinaloa cell operating in Guayaquil. A second Vetted Officer was shot in the head but survived. Kidnapping Kidnappings have occurred along the northern border with Colombia, and foreigners have been targeted. Kidnappings are more often economically rather than politically motivated. At least 13 U.S. citizens are known to have been victims of kidnapping in this region in the past 12 years. Since 1998, at least 13 U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Ecuador. In October 2009, an American citizen was kidnapped in Tulcan and held for ransom. After 21 days, the victim was rescued after an intensive investigation involving Ecuadorian, Colombian, and U.S. law enforcement. In 2012, two Americans were held against their will--one held by an indigenous group and later released and one held for ransom by a paramilitary group near the Colombian border in Sucumbíos, who escaped. Two Canadian tourists were held against their will and assaulted in the Cuyabeno National Park near Lago Agrio and later released. Police Response Ecuador has a less than one percent conviction rate for major crimes. The threshold for petty-crime is US$600, meaning that little is done for victims whose loss is less than six hundred dollars. Response times vary, but it is common for it to take police 45 minutes to an hour to respond to emergencies. After criminal complaints, or denuncia, are filed, little is done to recover belongings or to investigate. How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment If you feel that you are a victim of police corruption, bribery, or harassment, contact American Citizen Services at the United States Embassy for assistance. Where to Turn to for Assistance if you Become a Victim of Crime; provide local police telephone numbers If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, U.S. citizens are encouraged to immediately file a police report with the local authorities and to inform the American Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil. You may call the US Embassy Quito and ask for American Citizen Services: (02) 398-5000. If you are a victim of crime, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General can: help you find appropriate medical care for violent crimes such as assault or rape; put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and contact family members or friends on your behalf; replace your stolen passport; and help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to Ecuadorian attorneys or law enforcement officials. Emergency phone numbers vary by region. In Quito and Ibarra, dial 911 for all emergencies. In Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja, dial 112. Elsewhere, dial 101 for police, 102 for firefighters or ambulance, or 131 for the local Red Cross. Operators typically speak Spanish only. Investigation and prosecution of murderers is the responsibility of the government and do not proceed with the speed and thoroughness as in the United States. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General monitor and encourage these investigations, ability to intervene is extremely limited. The government has established an emergency hotline that callers can use to inform police about murders or contract killings. The number is 1-800-DELITO (1800 335486). While you are traveling in Ecuador, you are subject to Ecuadorian laws even though you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. Criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit but are still illegal in the United States. If you break local laws, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going. If you are arrested in Ecuador, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and customary international law, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Outside of Quito and Guayaquil, awareness of international protocols is uneven. If you are arrested, request that the authorities do this on your behalf. Please note, however, that the U.S. government has no authority to intervene in Ecuadorian legal matters. Identify The Various Police/Security Agencies Within the Country and Explain their General Purpose The Ecuadorian government increasingly used the military to bolster police patrols in 2012. The Ecuadorian Tourist Security Service has opened a number of service centers throughout Quito to provide general information and a location to file police reports. Medical Emergencies Emergency phone numbers in Ecuador vary by region. In Quito and Ibarra, dial 911 for all emergencies. In Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja, the number is 112. Elsewhere, dial 101 for police, 102 for firefighters or ambulance, or 131 for the local Red Cross. Operators typically speak Spanish only. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are written in Spanish. Patients must have good Spanish language skills to utilize local medical resources. Contact Information for Recommended Local Hospitals and Clinics The Embassy recommends that medical emergencies in Quito be treated at Hospital Metropolitano and Hospital De los Valles in Cumbaya. In Guayaquil, the Consulate recommends using the Clinica Kennedy and the Clinica Alcivar. Travelers are reminded that the facilities at these hospitals are modern and often technologically advanced but may not meet all U.S. standards. Metropolitano Hospital Av. Mariana de Jesús s/n y Nicolás Arteta +593-2-399-8000 Ext. 2193 De Los Valles Cumbaya Av. Interoceanica Km. 12 ½, Cumbaya +593-2-600-0911 Clinica Kennedy Av. San Jorge entre la Novena y la Decima (close to Polycentro Mall) +593-4-228-6963 / 2289-666 and Fax: +593-4-228-4051 Clinica Kennedy (Alborada area) +593-4-224-7900 Clinica Kennedy (Samborondon area) +593-4-209-0039 Clinica Alcivar (Trauma specialty) Doctora Ma del Carmen Escolano, cell phone +593-9-948-0305 Doctor Marlon Alarcon, cell phone +593-9-961-5960 Medical care is very limited, particularly outside Quito. Basic medical services are available in Quito and many small towns and villages. However, treatment for serious medical issues is often unavailable or available only in Quito. In an emergency, individuals are taken to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital unless the patient or someone acting on their behalf indicates that they can pay for a private hospital. Travelers should prepare to pay medical practitioners and hospitals at the time of service or even before treatment is given. Payment for medical services is typically done on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. U.S. health insurance plans are not accepted in Ecuador. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Ambulance services are poor and do not meet U.S. standards. Emergency ambulance services, as well as certain types of medical equipment, medications and treatments, are not widely available. Recommended Air Ambulance Services +593-2-246-8216 or +593-2-246-9902 CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance Individuals should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry unless the traveler has recently visited a country where yellow fever is endemic. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply with them. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim Crimes/Scams Thieves in Ecuador often distract the victim, sometimes by purposefully spilling liquid on the victim and pretending to help the victim clean it up, while accomplices snatch the victim’s bag or pick the victim’s pocket. Areas to be Avoided and Best Security Practices Stay particularly alert for crime on the crowded streets of south Quito, at the Panecillo, the Historic District, and in the areas of El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastian, Avenida Cristobal Colon, and Gonzalez Suarez. Quito’s Mariscal Sucre district, a popular tourist area with restaurants, bars, hotels, hostels, and shopping, is increasingly a site of crimes; reported incidents in recent years range from petty theft and sexual assault to shootings. In Mariscal Sucre, travel in groups when possible, avoid hailing taxis off the street or using unofficial taxis, and exercise caution in the early morning hours. Outside the city, stay alert if hiking to the summit of Pichincha, as violent crime has been known to occur there. In Guayaquil, visitors should exercise extreme caution in the downtown area and the southern part of the city. Tourist sites such as the Christ statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmen, the Malecon 2000, and Las Peñas, though well-patrolled by police, are still targeted by criminals hoping to prey on unsuspecting tourists. There have also been reports of armed robberies at restaurants in the fashionable areas of Urdesa and Samborondon. Further, in Guayaquil, you should call to order a taxi by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels. If you must hail a taxi on the street, seek out those that are officially registered and in good condition. Registered taxis are usually yellow, display matching unit numbers on their windshields and doors, feature a taxi cooperative name on the door, and are identified with an orange license plate. Still, be aware that passengers have been victimized even in taxis that meet these criteria. U.S. officials associated with the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil are forbidden from hailing street taxis. At the airports in both Quito and Guayaquil, arriving passengers have been targeted by armed robbers who follow them from the airport to rob them. Cases have been reported involving multiple vehicles that cut off and intercept the victim as well as just a single motorcycle rider who robs the victim while they are getting out of their car. The perpetrators appear to focus on travelers who are returning from overseas trips laden with gifts and large amounts of cash. The U.S. Embassy in Quito advises against travel to the northern border of Ecuador – to include the provinces of Sucumbíos, Orellana, Carchi and parts of Esmeraldas. Due to the spread of organized crime, drug and small-arms trafficking, and incursions by terrorist organizations near Ecuador’s porous border with Colombia, the U.S. Embassy in Quito advises caution when traveling to northern Ecuador, including the provinces of Sucumbíos, northern Orellana, Carchi, and northern Esmeraldas. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling alone or staying overnight in these areas. Never carry more than you are willing to lose, and never carry anything you consider priceless or irreplaceable. Pay for items in cash whenever possible, and use credit cards at larger establishments such as hotels. To avoid skimming, take the credit/debit card to the register yourself and never let the card out of your sight. Also, be sure to monitor your bank account or credit card statement frequently. Take only the money you need with you, and do not keep it all in one pocket. Only change money at banks or hotels, as street exchanges can lead to fraud or robbery. Travelers should avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time from banks and ATMs and should use ATMs in protected indoor areas like well-guarded shopping malls. To lower your risk against non-violent crime, leave valuables in a safe place, or don’t travel with them. Make use of hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that you will need on each outing. Stay alert to pickpockets when in crowds and when taking public transportation, and be conscious of distractions created to target you. Always be aware of your surroundings, and try to travel in groups. If you become a victim of express kidnapping and/or robbery, cooperation with the assailant usually results in the best outcome, as nothing material is as valuable as your life. To lower your risk of sexual assault, travel in groups, do not leave food or drinks unattended in public places, and never allow a stranger to give you a drink. Motorists should should carry a cellular phone and first aid kit in case of an emergency. To avoid carjacking or theft from your vehicle while you are stopped at intersections, drive with your doors locked and windows rolled up. Do not leave anything of value in plain view, including sunglasses, sports equipment, purses, briefcases, or valuables. Best Situational Awareness Practices Increase your awareness of your belongings when in congested areas such as airports or bus stations. Teams of criminals frequent these areas, and one will attempt to distract a victim while an accomplice commits the theft. Maintain a low profile and do not advertise that you are American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions. Maintain a copy of passport and credit card information and the telephone numbers to report a lost or stolen card. In the event of a robbery, the Embassy urges all travelers to comply with the demands of the aggressors while attempting to observe identifying characteristics of the perpetrators. No item is worth risking serious injury or death. Be unpredictable in your movements so that you will not be an easy target. It is against the law for foreigners to engage in political activity that starts or promotes civil wars or international conflicts. In light of environmental conditions, it is important that travelers and residents maintain an emergency supply of food and water and establish an emergency plan with their family members or fellow travelers. For the latest security and threat information, U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's travel website (http://travel.state.gov) and U.S. Embassy Quito’s website (http://ecuador.usembassy.gov). These sites contain country-specific consular information, current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Department’s Worldwide Caution. U.S. Embassy/Consulate Location and Contact Information Embassy/Consulate Address and Hours of Operation US Embassy Quito Ave. Avigiras E12-170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro (next to SOLCA), Quito, Ecuador Business hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. except during holidays. http://ecuador.usembassy.gov Consulate General Guayaquil 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno, Guayaquil, Ecuador Business Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov Embassy/Consulate Contact Numbers US Embassy Quito Switchboard: +593-2-398-5000 Marine Security Guard Post One: +593-2-398-5200 Regional Security Officer: +593-2-398-5475 Consular Affairs and American Citizen Services: +593-2-398-5399 Embassy Duty Officer: +593-997-883-222 Consulate General Guayaquil Switchboard: +593-4-232-3570 After-Hours: +593-4-232-1152 Regional Security Officer: +593-4-232-8207 Consular Affairs and American Citizens Services: +593-4-232-2758 OSAC Country Council Quito has an active OSAC Country Council. All U.S. private sector organizations operating in the area are welcome to attend. Parties interested in joining the Quito Country Council should contact ARSO Christopher Dowling at +593-2-398-5475 or Juan E. Faini, Coordinador de OSAC Capitulo Ecuador, Celular: +593-999720369, jfaini@ecamcham.com.

References

OSAC. (2013, January 17). Ecuador 2013 Crime and Safety Report: Quito. Retrieved from https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13476

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