It is not a secret that our Caribbean paradise has witnessed a disturbing surge in criminal activities over the years. This report aims to present valuable statistical information to expose this unfortunate situation.
For this purpose, it is supported in data extracted from reputable sources, such as InSight Crime, the Observatorio Nacional del Delito - Policía Nacional de Colombia, Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE), and Gobernación de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, providing a credible basis for the analysis.
The perception of crime risk is a significant concern for the community of San Andres Island. According to a survey conducted by the National University of Colombia in 2020, a substantial portion of the population expressed growing anxiety about crime, with 62.19% of respondents indicating that they have witnessed an increase in criminal activities This fear of crime affects the residents' sense of security and could impact the island's tourism-dependent economy.
A critical indicator of the rising criminality in San Andres is the homicide rate, which has seen a significant increase. The upward trend in homicides from 2019 to 2023 is illustrated in Table 1, with a comparison to the national homicide rates in Colombia for context.
A linear chart such as Graphic 1. helps visualize this better.
Fig 1. Shows a Column Chart with the aforementioned National Homicide Average in Colombia, taken from Statista (2024)
Meanwhile other criminal activities such as robberies, drug-related crimes, and intrafamily violence have also seen an uptick, contributing to the overall sense of insecurity on the island. The increase in these crimes over the last five years is depicted in Table 2.
Adding up to this situation, San Andres Island's strategic location has made it a hub for drug trafficking operations. The presence of criminal groups such as the AGC and the ex-FARC mafia has exacerbated violence and crime rates. In 2022, a speedboat carrying 3.4 tons of cocaine, valued at $120 million, was intercepted near San Andrés, indicating the island's role in the narcotics trade (InSight Crime, 2022).
Despite efforts by Colombian authorities to address the situation, including the deployment of additional police forces and the implementation of social programs, the challenge remains daunting. The "Total Peace" project initiated by President Gustavo Petro aimed at reducing state violence has seen mixed results, with criminal groups gaining strength and territorial control (InSight Crime, 2023).
The data presented in this article highlights a significant surge in criminality on San Andres Island, marked by an increase in homicides and other violent crimes. Socioeconomic challenges compound the situation, necessitating urgent and effective interventions. The expanding population exacerbates diverse social and economic challenges, perpetuating the cycle of violence. A real solution lies in decreasing population density, as this would alleviate resource strain and mitigate socioeconomic disparities contributing to criminal activities.
While the sources utilized in this paper are reputable and esteemed for their expertise in crime and security research, their reports are widely cited in academic and policy-making circles. Nonetheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that crime data may undergo revisions and should be interpreted in the broader context of reporting practices and law enforcement capabilities.
*Candidate of Ph. D in Criminal Justice- Walden University
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