A vibrant economy over the last two years has produced a reduction in street crime, and according to the U.S. Embassy there appears to be no indication that the current economic downturn will increase the crime rate. The Dominican Republic is a relatively safe place for visitors, but street crime is a concern in some areas, particularly several large parks in Santo Domingo. Numerous muggings were reported last year in Mirador del Sur, a park in southwest Santo Domingo. The muggers were usually armed with knives or unarmed, and almost all of the victims were carrying valuables in plain sight or using cellular phones or wearing jewelry. The usual street mugging is a threat with a knife and escape on a motorbike with an accomplice.
