Is property crime high in Dominican Republic?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Dominican Republic Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Dominican Republic Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in the Dominican Republic. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Dominican real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Punta Cana. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Gigi Tea 🇩🇴

Realtor, at RealtorDR

Combining her roots and years of experience, Gigi helps clients explore the Dominican Republic's real estate market with confidence. She showcases the country's unique opportunities, making you feel at home while investing in your dream property. We engaged in a conversation with her and used her feedback to fine-tune the blog post, adding details and her personal perspective.

What is the overall crime rate in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic has a Crime Index score of 60.5 as of September 2025, placing it among the higher-crime countries in the Caribbean region.

This score ranks the Dominican Republic as the fifth-highest among Caribbean nations for overall crime rates, behind Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. The country scores higher than regional neighbors like the Bahamas (56.9), Barbados (44.9), and Cuba.

Despite the relatively high overall crime index, violent crime has shown significant improvement in recent years. The homicide rate has dropped to 8.3 per 100,000 people in mid-2025, making the Dominican Republic the second-safest country in Latin America for violent crime. However, property crimes continue to be a persistent concern, particularly in urban areas and tourist zones where real estate investments are concentrated.

For property investors, this crime rate translates to higher security costs and the need for enhanced protective measures when investing in Dominican real estate markets.

How does property crime in the Dominican Republic compare to other Caribbean countries?

Country	Crime Index (2025)	Common Property Crimes	Most Affected Investment Areas
Jamaica	67.4	Theft, robbery, burglary	Kingston, Montego Bay
Puerto Rico	61.5	Theft, burglary	San Juan, Ponce
Dominican Republic	60.5	Theft, vehicle theft, robbery	Santo Domingo, Punta Cana
Bahamas	56.9	Theft, burglary	Nassau, Freeport
Barbados	44.9	Petty theft, burglary	Bridgetown, tourist districts
Cuba	42.1	Petty theft	Havana, tourist areas

What types of property crimes are most common in the Dominican Republic?

The most frequent property crimes in the Dominican Republic include theft, pickpocketing, vehicle theft, burglary, and armed robbery.

Petty theft represents the largest category of property crime, with criminals frequently targeting bags, mobile phones, jewelry, and other valuable items from both locals and tourists. Street robberies occur regularly in urban centers, particularly in Santo Domingo and Santiago, where crowds provide cover for opportunistic criminals.

Vehicle theft has become a major concern, especially in urban areas. Santo Domingo alone reported 350 vehicle thefts in a recent quarter, compared to single-digit incidents in smaller tourist towns. This high rate of vehicle crime directly impacts property investors who need to factor in secure parking facilities and enhanced vehicle security measures.

Burglary of residential and commercial properties remains common, particularly targeting properties that appear unoccupied or have inadequate security systems. Armed robbery, while less frequent than petty theft, occurs regularly enough to require property owners to invest in professional security services and surveillance systems.

It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.

Are certain areas in the Dominican Republic more affected by property crimes than others?

Yes, property crime rates vary significantly across different regions of the Dominican Republic, with urban centers and major tourist areas experiencing the highest rates.

Santo Domingo, the capital city, records the highest absolute numbers of property crimes due to its population density and economic activity. The city experiences frequent vehicle theft, burglary, and street robbery, making it the most challenging area for property security. Santiago, the second-largest city, also reports elevated property crime rates, particularly in commercial and residential districts.

Tourist-heavy areas like Punta Cana (La Altagracia Province) and Puerto Plata show high incident rates due to the concentration of visitors carrying valuables and cash. These areas see frequent pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles, though specialized tourist police (CESTUR) provide enhanced protection in resort zones.

In contrast, smaller towns like Samaná report notably fewer property crime incidents. Some provinces in these areas report zero armed robberies in recent quarters, making them more attractive for property investors seeking safer investment environments. Rural areas and smaller coastal towns generally experience significantly lower property crime rates than major urban centers.

What is the current trend in property crime rates in the Dominican Republic?

Property crime rates in the Dominican Republic have shown a declining trend since 2023, with significant improvements in several categories.

According to police data, reported thefts have dropped by up to 27.5% since 2023, while robbery rates have decreased by 22.5% over the last two years. This downward trend represents a positive development for the Dominican real estate market, as improved security conditions make property investments more attractive to both domestic and international buyers.

The improvement in property crime statistics stems from enhanced police presence, better coordination between law enforcement agencies, and targeted interventions in high-crime areas. Tourist zones have seen particularly notable improvements due to the deployment of specialized CESTUR police units and increased security measures in resort areas.

However, the improvement is not uniform across all areas. While tourist zones and some urban centers show clear progress, certain neighborhoods in Santo Domingo and other major cities continue to experience elevated property crime rates. Property investors should consider these trends when evaluating potential investment locations, as areas showing consistent crime reduction may offer better long-term value appreciation.

What measures are being taken by the government to reduce property crime?

The Dominican government has implemented several comprehensive measures to address property crime, focusing on both prevention and enforcement.

The formation of a Joint Task Force represents the government's primary strategy, integrating police and judiciary resources to create a more coordinated response to crime. This task force focuses resources on crime hotspots, particularly in areas with high concentrations of real estate investment and tourist activity.

CESTUR (Tourist Police) units have been expanded and deployed throughout major tourist destinations and resort areas. These specialized units patrol beaches, hotels, shopping areas, and other locations frequented by tourists and property investors, providing enhanced security for the real estate sector that depends on tourism.

The government has also invested in improved police training, better equipment, and enhanced surveillance systems in major urban centers. Community policing programs have been introduced in some neighborhoods to improve relations between residents and law enforcement while encouraging reporting of property crimes.

Technology initiatives include improved crime reporting systems and better data collection to identify crime patterns and allocate resources more effectively. The government has also increased penalties for property crimes and streamlined prosecution processes to ensure faster resolution of cases.

How effective are the police in responding to property crimes in the Dominican Republic?

Police effectiveness in responding to property crimes varies significantly depending on location and the type of incident, with better performance in tourist areas compared to local neighborhoods.

In tourist zones and resort areas, police response times are generally faster and more professional due to the presence of CESTUR units and the economic importance of tourism to the country. These areas receive priority attention, with specialized training and better resources allocated to protect visitors and maintain the tourism industry's reputation.

However, police effectiveness in local neighborhoods often falls short of expectations. Response times can be lengthy, and follow-up investigations may be inadequate, particularly for property crimes that don't involve violence or significant losses. Many property crime cases remain unresolved, and recovery of stolen items is relatively rare.

The integration of police and judiciary through the Joint Task Force has improved prosecution rates for serious property crimes, but petty theft and minor burglary cases often receive minimal attention. Property owners, including real estate investors, frequently rely on private security services to supplement police protection, particularly for commercial properties and high-value residential investments.

It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.

What is the general perception of safety among locals and tourists in the Dominican Republic?

Local residents and tourists hold different perceptions of safety in the Dominican Republic, with crime remaining a top concern for the local population.

Among Dominican citizens, crime and violence consistently rank as the leading national concern according to recent surveys. The majority of the population views property crime as a persistent problem that affects daily life and economic opportunities. This perception influences residential property choices, with many locals preferring gated communities and properties with enhanced security features.

Tourists generally experience lower rates of violent crime but remain vulnerable to petty theft and opportunistic property crimes, particularly in crowded areas and during transit. International travel advisories, including those from the US State Department, caution visitors about robbery and theft risks while acknowledging that major resort areas remain relatively secure.

The perception gap between locals and tourists reflects the concentrated security efforts in tourist zones versus everyday neighborhoods. Resort areas benefit from private security, specialized police units, and controlled access, creating safer environments that don't reflect the broader security situation in the country.

For property investors, these perceptions translate into market realities where properties in tourist zones and gated communities command premium prices, while properties in areas perceived as less safe may offer better value but require additional security investments.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Dominican Republic versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How frequently do tourists report being victims of property crime?

Tourist property crime incidents occur regularly in the Dominican Republic, though exact frequency rates vary depending on location and season.

Petty theft and opportunistic crimes targeting tourists happen most frequently in crowded areas such as markets, public transportation hubs, beaches outside resort areas, and popular tourist attractions. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are particularly common in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone and Santiago's commercial districts.

Vehicle break-ins targeting rental cars represent another significant category of tourist-related property crime. Tourists often become targets because they may carry larger amounts of cash, expensive electronics, and valuable items while being unfamiliar with local crime patterns and prevention strategies.

Resort areas and all-inclusive hotels report significantly lower property crime rates affecting tourists due to controlled access, private security, and CESTUR police presence. However, crimes still occur when tourists venture outside these protected environments or during excursions to local attractions.

The tourism police (CESTUR) maintain statistics on tourist-related crimes, but comprehensive public data on exact incident rates is not consistently available. Travel insurance claims and embassy reports suggest that property crimes against tourists, while not rare, are generally non-violent and involve relatively small losses compared to more serious crimes.

Are there any particular times or events when property crimes tend to spike?

Property crime rates in the Dominican Republic show seasonal and event-related patterns that affect both residents and property investors.

Major holidays and festivals create significant spikes in property crime due to increased crowds, higher cash circulation, and reduced police availability for routine patrols. Christmas season, New Year celebrations, and Carnival period see elevated rates of pickpocketing, theft, and burglary as criminals take advantage of distracted victims and busy environments.

Tourist high seasons, particularly winter months (December through March) when North American and European visitors arrive in large numbers, correspond with increased property crime in tourist areas. The concentration of visitors with valuable items creates more opportunities for theft and robbery in places like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo's tourist zones.

Economic stress periods, such as times of high unemployment or economic uncertainty, tend to correlate with increases in property crime as individuals turn to theft and robbery for survival. Political events and social unrest can also trigger temporary spikes in property crime, though these are typically localized and short-term.

Evening and night hours consistently show higher property crime rates than daytime, particularly for vehicle theft and burglary. Weekend periods, especially Friday and Saturday nights, see elevated rates of theft and robbery in entertainment districts and commercial areas.

What is the level of public awareness regarding property crime prevention in the Dominican Republic?

Public awareness of property crime prevention in the Dominican Republic varies significantly between urban and rural areas, with higher awareness in tourist zones and major cities.

In urban centers like Santo Domingo and Santiago, residents generally understand basic property crime prevention measures such as avoiding displaying valuable items, using secure parking, and choosing well-lit routes. Business owners in commercial areas typically invest in security systems, cameras, and sometimes private security guards.

Tourist areas benefit from enhanced crime prevention awareness due to CESTUR police presence and hotel security briefings. Visitors receive information about common scams, theft tactics, and prevention strategies through hotel orientations and tourist police interactions.

However, comprehensive public education campaigns about property crime prevention remain limited. Many residents, particularly in lower-income areas, may lack resources to implement recommended security measures even when aware of risks. Rural communities often have lower awareness levels due to historically lower crime rates and limited access to security information.

For property investors, this awareness gap means that properties in areas with higher security consciousness and crime prevention measures may command better rental rates and experience lower vacancy rates, as tenants prefer safer environments.

It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.

How do property crime rates affect local businesses and the economy in the Dominican Republic?

Property crime rates significantly impact local businesses and the broader Dominican economy through increased operational costs and reduced investment confidence.

Businesses across the Dominican Republic face elevated security expenses due to property crime concerns. Retail establishments, restaurants, and service businesses invest heavily in security cameras, alarm systems, security guards, and reinforced facilities. These security costs reduce profit margins and can make some business ventures economically unviable, particularly in high-crime areas.

The tourism industry, crucial to the Dominican economy, experiences both direct and indirect effects from property crime. While major resort areas remain relatively protected, incidents involving tourists can damage the country's reputation and affect future visitor numbers. Tourism businesses invest substantial resources in security measures and insurance to protect against property crime losses.

Property crime creates significant challenges for small businesses that cannot afford comprehensive security measures. Many small retailers and service providers suffer losses from theft and burglary, with some forced to close permanently after repeated incidents. This particularly affects entrepreneurship in urban areas where property crime rates are highest.

Real estate investment decisions are directly influenced by property crime patterns, with investors preferring locations with lower crime rates or enhanced security infrastructure. This creates a feedback loop where areas with high property crime struggle to attract investment, limiting economic development and job creation opportunities.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. World Population Review - Crime Rate by Country
2. Numbeo - Crime Rankings by Country 2025
3. Dominican Today - Homicide Rate Reduction
4. Prensa Latina - Dominican Republic Crime Statistics
5. Samana Group - Dominican Republic Safety Analysis
6. Global Guardian - Dominican Republic Safety Assessment
7. BHTP - Dominican Republic Travel Safety
8. Statista - Dominican Republic Public Opinion Survey