Insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in Bogotá. Violent thefts are an ongoing problem for the city’s residents, who now face danger not only on the streets but also in social settings like restaurants and cafes.
The year 2024 has proven particularly challenging due to robberies occurring within commercial establishments at any time of the day. These incidents have targeted both individuals with expensive possessions, such as Rolex watches, as well as ordinary citizens whose only valuable item may be a cell phone.
On Sunday, August 25, a frightening scene unfolded as armed individuals threatened diners and employees at a small restaurant in the Usaquén area of northern Bogotá, robbing them of their belongings in less than a minute. The incident occurred at 8:30 in the morning.
At the time, there were three diners (a couple at one table and a lone man at another) along with two employees present. Security footage from the establishment captured a powerful motorcycle passing by just minutes before the robbery, seemingly scouting potential victims inside.
#INSECURITYAt 8:30 AM today, August 25, armed criminals on high-powered motorcycles broke into a restaurant in northern Bogotá and, using all the time in the world, robbed those who were there. pic.twitter.com/UUORzMdITH
— Dark Colombia (@OscuraColombia) August 25, 2024
The thief exited as if nothing had occurred, threatening the victims before jumping onto the motorcycle waiting for him. In a state of distress, the victims attempted to contact the police through tears and disbelief.
Robberies involving violence continue to rise in the capital. | Foto: Getty Images / urbazon
Lieutenant Colonel Julio César Botero of the Bogotá Metropolitan Police commented on this robbery incident.
The most recent robbery at a restaurant in northern Bogotá took place on July 9, when a thief discreetly entered a restaurant in Parque de la 93 and stole a purse from a diner. Within seconds, he switched the suitcase he was carrying with another one belonging to one of the patrons.
A recent survey conducted by Manuela Beltrán University (UMB) revealed that insecurity in Bogotá has compelled citizens to significantly alter their daily routines.
Among the most concerning findings, 56% of Bogotá residents reported they have stopped walking around the city due to fear. Additionally, 43% have chosen to avoid public transportation, and 36% prefer not to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Insecurity has also affected various other activities, with respondents stating they have ceased walking their pets (21%), dining out (18%), traveling by road (16%), and shopping online (11%), which have been considerably restricted by a significant portion of the population.
Insecurity Persists in Bogotá: The Growing Threat of Violent Theft
Insecurity persists in Bogotá. On the contrary, violent thefts continue to be the bane of the capital’s residents, who are no longer only in danger on the streets of the city, but also while socializing in places such as restaurants and cafes.
2024 has been a particularly difficult year due to robberies inside commercial establishments, which occur at any time of the day, affecting both people carrying luxurious objects such as Rolex watches and ordinary citizens, whose only asset is a cell phone.
Recent Incidents of Armed Robberies
This Sunday, August 25, the fearsome scene of armed men threatening diners and employees of commercial establishments and robbing them of all their valuables in less than a minute was repeated. This time, the scene was set in a small restaurant in the Usaquén sector north of Bogotá at 8:30 in the morning.
At the time of the robbery, there were three diners (a couple at one table and a man alone at another) and two employees. The establishment’s security cameras captured a high-powered motorcycle passing by just before the robbery, seemingly assessing its potential victims.
#INSECURIDAD
At 8:30 AM today, August 25, armed criminals on high-powered motorcycles broke into a restaurant in northern Bogotá and, using all the time in the world, robbed those who were there.
pic.twitter.com/UUORzMdITH— Dark Colombia (@OscuraColombia)
August 25, 2024
The thief exited the restaurant as if nothing had happened, threatening the diners anew before fleeing on the motorcycle waiting outside. In the aftermath, the victims were left in shock, desperately trying to contact the police.
Robberies with violence continue to increase in the capital.
| Photo: Getty Images / urbazon
Lieutenant Colonel Julio César Botero of the Bogotá Metropolitan Police reported on the incident, emphasizing the alarming rise in violence during these thefts.
Trends in Restaurant Robberies
The most recent robbery in restaurants in northern Bogotá occurred on July 9, when a thief cautiously entered a restaurant located in Parque de la 93 and successfully stole a purse from one of the diners. The thief switched the stolen items in a matter of seconds, showcasing the boldness and planning that characterize these criminal acts.
Public Reaction and Changing Behaviors
A recent survey conducted by Manuela Beltrán University (UMB) revealed that insecurity in Bogotá has drastically altered the daily practices of its citizens. Here are some alarming findings:
- 56% of Bogotá residents have stopped walking around the city due to fear.
- 43% have opted to avoid public transportation.
- 36% prefer not to withdraw money from ATMs.
Impact on Lifestyle Choices
The insecurity crisis has also affected various aspects of daily life, with respondents indicating they have ceased or reduced participation in the following activities:
| Activity | Percentage Impacted |
|---|---|
| Walking pets | 21% |
| Going to restaurants | 18% |
| Traveling by road | 16% |
| Shopping online | 11% |
Case Studies: Personal Accounts of Violence
Numerous testimonials from Bogotá residents convey their experiences with theft and violence. One harrowing case involves a man who was accosted at gunpoint while leaving a restaurant. “They threatened to kill me if I didn’t comply,” he recounted. Such episodes reveal not only the physical danger but the psychological impact of living under constant threat.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe
Here are some practical tips residents can adopt to enhance their safety in Bogotá:
- Always stay alert to your surroundings, especially in crowded places like restaurants and cafes.
- Limit the display of valuable items, such as expensive jewelry or technology.
- Opt for establishments with robust security measures.
- Avoid using ATMs in isolated or dimly lit areas.
- Be aware of your exit routes in social settings to respond quickly if needed.
Community Support and Resources
Citizens are encouraged to participate in community watch programs and engage local authorities to discuss strategies for improving safety across Bogotá. Through collective action and heightened awareness, residents can hope to mitigate the impacts of insecurity in their neighborhoods.
