Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANJOSE2692
2005-11-21 14:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy San Jose
Cable title:  

SIGNIFICANT CRIMINAL INCIDENTS IN SAN JOSE

Tags:  ASEC 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SAN JOSE 002692 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/OPO/FPO, DS/DSS/OSAC AND DS/ITA;
MANAGUA FOR RSO; PANAMA FOR RSO AND LEGATT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: SIGNIFICANT CRIMINAL INCIDENTS IN SAN JOSE

REF: SAN JOSE 2435

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 002692

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/OPO/FPO, DS/DSS/OSAC AND DS/ITA;
MANAGUA FOR RSO; PANAMA FOR RSO AND LEGATT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: SIGNIFICANT CRIMINAL INCIDENTS IN SAN JOSE

REF: SAN JOSE 2435


1. In the past several weeks, significant criminal acts have
been committed near the Embassy or near areas where most
Mission personnel live and work that merit reporting at this
time. Following is a summary of recent events in San Jose:


A. Armed robbery and shooting of Czech diplomat: On
November 14, 2005 a Czech diplomat was shot and robbed while
in his vehicle, shortly after departing a local bank in
Pavas. The diplomat was shot in the arm while sitting in his
vehicle then robbed of USD 5,000. The location of the crime
was within .5 kilometers of the Embassy. The police captured
the three men suspected of the crime on the same day.


B. Armed robbery of restaurant Il Pomodoro in Escazu - On
November 10, 2005 four armed men robbed the restaurant and
its customers at approximately 2100 hours. There were no
injuries reported in the armed robbery, but the incident
occurred less then one kilometer from the U.S. Ambassador's
residence and in an area where most Embassy personnel live.
The suspects in this robbery have not yet been apprehended.


C. Armed invasion of Dutch diplomat's residence: On
November 10, 2005 armed individuals entered the residence of
a Dutch Embassy family in a gated community called Villa
Real. This community is very new and is located
approximately 4 miles outside of the areas approved by RSO
for U.S. Embassy personnel. The doors to the diplomat's
residence were unsecured and the robbers simply walked into
the residence. The family was fortunate - they were not
injured nor was much stolen due to the fact their household
effects had not yet been delivered to their home.


D. Stolen briefcase of Embassy officer: Embassy officer had
his briefcase stolen from his unsecured vehicle while
dropping off laundry. Subsequent to the theft of the
briefcase, the officer had charges made on his credit/debit
card in San Jose.


E. Armed robbery and shooting at bank across the street from
U.S. Embassy on 17 October - Previously reported in reftel.


2. These criminal events do not appear to have any
particular pattern, but their occurrence in locations close
to our Embassy and Mission residences is of interest. It is
not uncommon for the Christmas season to bring an increase in
crime in San Jose, with criminals from other parts of the
country coming to San Jose to prey on those who receive the
13th month Christmas bonus, which is almost always paid in
cash. Of concern is most of these events involved multiple
persons and weapons. There is no indication at this time
that diplomats are being targeted in these crimes, but this
does not change the fact that diplomats were involved in some
of these incidents.


3. RSO will continue to monitor and report significant
criminal events in San Jose as the holiday season approaches.

LANGDALE