Nassau - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a 0% differential post with critical crime. It doesn't make any sense. Murder and rape are rampant. Home invasions are increasing. - Nov 2015
Nassau is not a safe city. The annual murder rate per 100,000 persons is between 7-8x the U.S. Guns are illegal for the most part, so of course all the criminals have them. The tourist areas are fairly safe during the day, but once the sun goes down, you need to be at home with your bars locked and alarm set. Armed muggings are commonplace. - Jun 2015
Robbery and murder are bad and getting worse. This is a matter of critical concern for the citizens, government and expat community. We live in a gated community, have an alarm systems and the embassy supplies roving guards. We are beginning to question if this is enough. Ask for current info before bidding on this post and make sure to get RSO briefing and follow instructions. - May 2015
I believe Nassau is currently listed as "high" for crime, but that will probably move to "critical" soon if it hasn't already. The country has set murder records in 3 out of the last 4 years. In 2010 there were 96 murders. That may not sound like a lot, but in a country with less than 300,000 people, it is significant. Most of the murders involve the drug trade. Tourists have been targeted in the past for violent muggings and robberies. In 2009 there was a group of 9 tourists robbed at gun point in a major tourist attraction downtown. Also in 2009 there were 14 tourists robbed at once while they were on a Segway tour. In general, if you be careful about going out at night, you'll probably be okay, but day time robberies and home invasions are not unheard of. - Jan 2011
Yes, crime is pretty high. 87 murders in 2009 for a population of about 330,000. The country also has the highest rate of reported rapes in the world. Some embassy staff have had cars broken into. Tourists are periodically robbed. - Mar 2010
Crime is a problem and you need to be aware of your surroundings. You hear of tourists being robbed but it doesnt happen often. We've also had a few Embassy houses burglarized, some with people in them- yikes! - Feb 2009
Home robbery/invasion and armed street robbery are the most common. Vigilance is key to your safety. - Dec 2008
