U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic warns its citizens about robberies, drugging and sexual assaults against travelers

Santo Domingo — The United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic warned its citizens on Friday, October 30, about criminal incidents reported in the country, including cases of people being drugged, robbed and sexually assaulted, and urged them to take extra personal security precautions during their stay.

According to the security alert issued by the diplomatic mission, the embassy regularly receives reports from travelers, including U.S. citizens, who have fallen victim to these crimes, in some cases in combination: first drugged and then robbed of their belongings or sexually assaulted.

The embassy explained that some attackers contact their victims through dating apps or in nightlife venues such as bars and nightclubs. The attacks, the alert adds, are not limited to public places: they have taken place in private homes, including short-term rental properties, as well as in hotels, motels and their surroundings.

In light of this situation, the diplomatic mission recommended that Americans traveling to or staying in Dominican territory remain aware of crime trends and take precautions to protect their physical safety and belongings, as well as inform themselves about security conditions before and during travel and consult the embassy's official channels.

The alert does not provide figures on the number of incidents, nor does it identify the provinces where the events allegedly occurred, and it gives no details about related judicial investigations. The warning, published in English and Spanish through the mission's official Instagram account, is aimed mainly at people visiting the country for tourism or to see family.

For the Dominican diaspora in the United States, which travels to the island frequently, the practical advice is the same one authorities repeat: watch your drinks in social settings, do not accept drinks from strangers, use verified lodging and transportation, and keep the embassy's emergency contacts at hand.

Photo: Diario Digital RD

Source: 7dias.com.do