Crimes against wealthy people and property have become commonplace. Foreigners, in particular, are viewed as wealthy targets of opportunity. Crimes of violence are primarily confined to Georgetown and to some of the other more populated areas of the country. The area adjacent to the sea wall in Georgetown is usually deserted and, therefore, dangerous, except in the morning and in the late afternoon, when it is frequented by people walking or jogging. Theft from vehicles is common, but occurs infrequently from rooms at the major hotels.
Police are cooperative, but largely ineffective.
U.S. visitors who suffer criminal assaults are encouraged to contact the police as well as the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. In addition to money, thieves frequently steal U.S. passports and alien registration cards. The loss of a U.S. passport in Guyana should be reported to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy. American citizens should be prepared to present evidence of U.S. citizenship and identity, as well as the entry permit from Guyana Immigration showing the date of entry into the country, the U.S. passport number and a police report. The Guyana Ministry of Agriculture will permit only those persons who have been legally residing in Guyana for more than a year to take an exotic bird out of the country when they leave.