Travel Safety Ecuador

August 20, 2009

MINORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LARGE NUMBER OF CRIMES COMMITTED WITH GUNS IN GUAYAQUIL (GUAYAS)  

So far in 2009, there have been 914 minors detained in the Guayas province of which 498 have either used a gun during the commission of a crime or possessed a gun. 295 have involved robberies of individual without a gun. It is believed by authorities that some of the crime is encouraged by a parent and that guns are often used between gang rivalries. While guns are not currently allowed in Ecuador, including security guards, we believe that this will give criminals more of an enticement to possess them knowing that law abiding citizens may not be armed and making it easier to commit crimes against establishments that no longer have armed guards. (TRAVEL SAFETY ECUADOR)