It’s never a prudent thing to tempt fate.  Thus, even if Panama is one of the safest countries in the world (its number of crimes per annum is still less than the number of crimes in New York per day), you should still employ some measures to ensure your safety.  After all, you never know when criminals might decide to make you their next target.

Never Invite People to Steal from You

Anyone would agree that bathing yourself in honey and walking through an anthill is utter stupidity.  The same thing goes with wearing a necklace that costs $20,000 while strolling through the sidewalks in a country where most people have to make do with a salary of $300 per month.  It’s better to just reserve those expensive accessories when you’re attending a formal party.  Also, don’t make yourself vulnerable.  Avoid wandering around while you’re drunk.

Fortify your Home

You could also help lessen the crime rate by fortifying your home against thieves.  While this type of crime is rare in Panama, it’s not nonexistent.  The perpetrators are usually workers who have been inside the homes of their targets.  Perhaps they saw something inside your home that they wanted to steal.

Nonetheless, when fortifying your home be humane.  Try not to use those sneaky alarm systems which the burglars will never see.  It’s okay to use them but try to put an alarm that can be easily seen, too.  Alarms would certainly give them second thoughts about raiding your home and would help avert a prison term.

Living Door Bells

What are these living doorbells I’m talking about, you ask?  I’m talking about dogs.  Latin Americans have this peculiar fear of dogs.  Having a 60 pound dog in the premises of your home would surely make the thieves turn tail and run for home.  Dogs bark whenever a stranger appears and though it might be irritating sometimes when they get too noisy, they might just save your life.  Besides, you might be surprised at how good a companion a dog can be.  The one who said that “the dog is man’s best friend” certainly knew what he was talking about.

These are three relatively easy ways through which you can prevent being a victim of crime in Panama.  They may seem very simple, but they sure do work.  Besides, while you’re in Panama, the chances that you would encounter bad elements are very low, anyway, so you certainly don’t need more than these commonsensical precautions.