BELIZE CITY – A disturbing wave of criminal activity has cast a shadow over Belize’s Christmas festivities, with authorities reporting multiple serious incidents occurring within a single week. The holiday season, typically marked by celebration, has instead become a period of heightened security concerns across the nation.
In the latest development, Belize Bank’s Dangriga branch on Ecumenical Drive was forcibly entered during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Although preliminary investigations indicate no financial assets were stolen, the perpetrators inflicted substantial damage to banking equipment before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement agencies are currently examining forensic evidence to identify those responsible.
This bank incident follows closely on the heels of a more destructive event at the newly established Island Supermarket in San Pedro’s Tres Cosos area. Surveillance footage reveals two unidentified males breaching the premises, subsequently igniting a shopping cart filled with merchandise. The resulting fire generated significant smoke damage before being contained by emergency response teams.
Tragically, this crime wave follows the brutal murders of two Sarita delivery drivers, Alexander Crawford and Raynard Garbutt, who were killed during an armed robbery while performing their duties. Their vehicle was discovered abandoned with its cash compartment emptied. This pattern mirrors a November assault on a Country Foods delivery driver, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds but miraculously survived the attack.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith emphasized the critical need for enhanced security measures: ‘We strongly advise businesses to transition toward electronic transactions and implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including dashboard cameras in all delivery vehicles. These precautions are essential for protecting employees who regularly transport goods and funds.’
Authorities are urging heightened public vigilance, recommending that residents and business owners reinforce security protocols through improved lighting, alarm systems, and strategic camera placement. Police emphasize that community cooperation remains vital in combating this escalating criminal trend, encouraging immediate reporting of any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
With Christmas celebrations intensifying and commercial activity peaking, Belizean security forces have increased patrols while reminding citizens that personal safety should outweigh all other considerations during this volatile period.