Costa Rica’s murder rate drops while thefts skyrocket

March 5^th, 2013 (Infosurhoy) Costa Rica’s murder rate fell to 8.9 per 100,000 residents in 2012 after it was 10.3 in 2011, according to Francisco Segura, the director of the Judicial Investigation Office (OIJ).

Segura said 394 homicides were registered nationwide in 2012, 79 fewer than in 2011.

The OIJ’s annual report also stated thefts of vehicles decreased by 15.5% and assaults fell by 13.4% compared to 2011. However, common thefts increased by 43.8% and home robberies rose by 4.6% in 2012 compared to a year earlier.

Security Minister Mario Zamora said that despite the improvement in several key areas, authorities “will not let their guard down and will continue to work hard.”