Travel warning issued for Venezuela

[Bacchus4.0]

http://www.nola.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/09/travel_warning_issued_for_vene_1.html

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning this week to those considering travel to the Venezuela due to pervasive violent crime.

The travel warning for the Venezuela advises, "Armed robberies take place throughout Caracas and other cities, including in areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Street crime can take place at any time, and upscale residential areas where many U.S. citizens live and visit are not immune from street crime and home invasion robberies. Recently, heavily armed criminals used grenades and assault rifles to commit crimes at banks, shopping malls, public transportation stations, and universities."

The warning goes on to say "according to the non-governmental organization Venezuelan Violence Observatory (VVO), Venezuela has the second highest homicide rate in the world. Kidnappings are also a serious concern throughout the country, and, according to police sources, roughly 80 percent go unreported. Most can be classified as "express kidnappings" which last only a few hours, while the victim and/or family members gather as much money as possible for a quick release. Victims are often physically roughed up or even killed if they resist kidnappers' demands."

[Demeter]

1. As opposed to the United States?

Granted, kidnappings are more often by the police, or senseless crimes of violence. We leave the extortion to our banks and corporations...

[iandhr]

2. I suppose you didn't bother to read

where it said second-highest homicide rate in the world

[Travis_0004]

3. The murder rate is about 17 times as high as the US

I don't think a travel warning is out of line.

[Marksman_91]

5. Methinks you should probably read before you comment... N/t

[MADem]

4. I am surprised this hasn't happened before. The crime rate--and the UNSOLVED crime rate--is out

of sight.