Crime in Suriname
This article discusses '''crime in Suriname.'''
Crime by type
Murder
In 2012, Suriname had a murder rate of 6.1 per 100,000 population. There were a total of 33 murders in Suriname in 2012.Illegal drug trade
Suriname is a transit zone for South American cocaine en route to Europe, Africa and to a lesser extent the U.S. Inadequate resources, limited law enforcement training, the absence of a law enforcement presence in the interior, and lack of aircraft or sufficient numbers of patrol boats limit the capacity of the government to control its borders.There have been sporadic instances of drug trade-related violence between individuals associated with competing drug trafficking organizations. These have included assassinations, drive-by shootings, and hand grenades tossed over residential walls.
Robbery
Robbery, including thefts of backpacks and purses, pickpocketing, theft of jewelry, and cell phones are regular occurrences. These incidents often occur in those areas frequented by foreigners. Tourist areas are common targets for thieves and muggers who often rob victims of their possessions during the hours of darkness. Residential burglaries are an issue.There have been reports of tourists and foreigners being robbed while traveling in the countryside, and occasional reports of bandits on rural roads. There have been reports of attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Suriname.
By location
Paramaribo
While some areas of Paramaribo are safer than others, there are no areas that can be considered completely safe. Criminals move without restriction into and out of neighborhoods where immigrants live, often utilizing scooters or motorcycles to evade police. The Paramaribo Central area and the Palmentuin area are known to be less than safe after dark. Pick pocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping districts in Paramaribo.There were a dozen murders of homeless men in Paramaribo between 2006 and 2014, with some of the killings appearing to be ritualistic.