Crime & Safety

The Bahamas has gotten a bad rap, especially with the US setting alerts and travel advisories, marking the Bahamas as “critical” at times. Since 2016 there has been a 26% drop in crime. The opening of Baha Mar has provided more jobs for the community and there is a sense of economic stability. Since most of the crime is due to lack of income, jobs and economic instability, any upswing in the economy is directly related to a decrease in the rate of crime. The fact of the matter is, there have only been a handful of critical incidents involving foreigners and tourists over the past ten years. A tourist was murdered in 2013 in Nassau, but the tourist was in a bad part of town in the very late/early hours of the morning, and attempted to stop a purse theft. Unfortunately theft is an issue in the more heavily touristed areas of Downtown Nassau, and there have been numerous incidences of rape and sexual assault. But when incidences occur, its usually late at night and alcohol and drugs are involved.

The vast majority of violent crime occurs between gangs in “over the hill” areas of Nassau where tourists would not normally be visiting. Criminals do carry knives or firearms, but unless provoked, they will not resort to violence, and are mostly engaging in snatch and grab theft. The armed robbers are going after jewelry, cell phones and cash. If you are confronted, comply with their demands and make the encounter as brief as possible. Report immediately to authorities. The water sports rental industry is loosely regulated and sexual assaults by jet ski operators have been reported, the majority of them being from operators on Paradise Island.  Keep your wits about you at all times, taking the same precautions you would while traveling anywhere. Moderate your alcohol intake, and do your best to stay close to your resort or hotel at night.