By San José, Costa Rica — A surge in crime is sweeping Costa Rica, impacting businesses and citizens alike. From armed robberies to street violence, the escalating insecurity is forcing companies to significantly bolster their security measures. The first few days of August 2025 have seen a worrying increase in both public spaces and commercial establishments, including assaults with knives and firearms, robberies of public services, and theft from homes and businesses. This troubling trend aligns with recent international reports listing San José among other unsafe cities.
Data from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reveals that businesses hardest hit include a wide range of establishments, from non-financial public institutions and restaurants to offices, convenience stores, workshops, bars, and shops. Even more alarming, between 2020 and 2024, 29 business owners or merchants were murdered, highlighting the significant risk faced by the productive sector. Security officers are also frequently caught in the crossfire, suffering injuries or becoming victims of violence during incidents.
To provide further legal context on the evolving security landscape in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s security situation presents a complex interplay of factors. While the country generally enjoys a peaceful reputation, increases in certain types of crime necessitate proactive measures. Businesses, particularly those in tourism and related sectors, should prioritize comprehensive security strategies, encompassing physical security, cybersecurity, and thorough risk assessments. Staying informed about evolving security trends and collaborating with local authorities and legal experts can further mitigate risks and contribute to a safer environment for all.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a crucial reminder that security in Costa Rica, while generally favorable, requires ongoing vigilance and adaptation. His emphasis on proactive measures, especially for businesses catering to tourists, is particularly pertinent in today’s dynamic environment. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important topic.
Grupo EULEN Costa Rica is urging all sectors to collaborate and confront this security crisis. The company emphasizes the lack of concrete solutions to restore public confidence in the medium term, raising crucial questions about societal response and the responsibility of organized sectors like the state, local governments, businesses, industrial parks, and residential developments.
While the central goal of all public policy should be to guarantee safe environments, today this objective seems increasingly distant and, most worryingly, without a viable solution in the short term. Faced with this panorama, we urge the establishment of intersectoral cooperation mechanisms that allow the implementation of effective prevention and response strategies, combining technology, training, and coordination with the authorities to decisively confront the threat posed by crime.
Mario Vargas, General Manager, Grupo EULEN Costa Rica
In the absence of effective public solutions, informal, low-quality, and unprofessional security options are proliferating. To save money in the short term, many individuals, companies, and institutions opt for inadequate private security services without verifying credentials, technological capabilities, or operational experience. This risky practice is not only inefficient but can also have legal consequences if the security company is not properly registered with the Ministry of Public Security.
One common mistake is prioritizing price over quality, choosing security providers solely based on quotes without evaluating their protocols, equipment, or personnel training. Crucially, many also skip the professional assessment of threats and vulnerabilities. Modern security requires integrated video surveillance, sensors, access control, and remote monitoring. Ignoring a provider’s track record or operational history further weakens the contracted protection.
The private sector has begun to react, with 64.5% of affected businesses reporting increased spending on physical security and 61.3% increasing investments in cybersecurity, according to the Costa Rican Chamber of Industries (CICR). However, Vargas believes more preventative and corrective actions are necessary, noting even high-end hotels often lack basic security standards, posing a risk to guests, employees, and assets.
Grupo EULEN, operating in Costa Rica for over 26 years, also calls for urgent review of contracting processes. In most bids, price remains the primary criterion for awarding security services. This practice, while seemingly efficient, often prioritizes the cheapest option without properly weighting technical or quality factors, proving both inefficient and dangerous. Public administrations must rethink these schemes to contract services that guarantee effective and reliable security. Businesses are urged to invest in 24/7 perimeter surveillance, early detection systems, secure custody of valuables, and specialized training, viewing these not as expenses but as crucial strategies for control, deterrence, and rapid response to threats.
For further information, visit eulen.com/cr
About Grupo EULEN:
Grupo EULEN is a multinational company providing comprehensive services to businesses, including cleaning, security, auxiliary services, and maintenance, among others. With over 26 years of operation in Costa Rica, they emphasize professional and technological solutions for security challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ)
About Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ):
The OIJ is Costa Rica’s primary investigative body, responsible for criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and crime scene processing. Their data plays a crucial role in understanding crime trends and informing security strategies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Chamber of Industries (CICR)
About Costa Rican Chamber of Industries (CICR):
The CICR represents and advocates for Costa Rican industries, providing data and analysis on economic and business trends, including security-related investments and impacts. They play a vital role in informing policy and supporting the private sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to societal progress. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources, empowers individuals and communities across Costa Rica. By fostering a culture of understanding and informed decision-making, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a more just and equitable future.
