Wherever there is financial hardship in the world, travelers will also face a higher rate of crime. According to the World Bank Organization's 2004 poverty assessment of Peru, 50 percent of Peru's population is considered to be living in poverty and another 20 percent of the population is considered "extremely poor." Though poverty is high in the cities, Peru's rural areas have the highest percentages of people in poverty; this includes the region of Lambayeque, where the city of Chiclayo is located.
Recently, a number of political strikes have occurred in Peru and some have occurred in region of Lambayeque. A number of these demonstrations have led to violence, and the military police have been deployed in an effort to control it. In some areas of unrest, restrictions have been placed on travel and curfews have been enacted. Because of the unrest, expect marshal law and curfews in certain areas, including the Lambayeque region. In addition, political demonstrations and strikes may possibly affect airplane travel---airports could possible be closed.
Travelers to Peru should be aware that a terrorist group called The Shining Path is active in the country. There have been incidents of violence from this group, but at this time, none of their activities have been in areas frequented by tourists.
Peru's political unrest and high rates of poverty have caused violent crimes such as carjacking, kidnapping, assault and armed robbery to increase. Travelers should be aware that attacks and robberies regularly happen along the routes for airports and even in the front of hotels. Both Canada and the United States highly recommend that tourists stay and travel in large groups. Crimes such as purse snatching, pick-pocketing and break-ins occur at all hours even in public areas. These crimes often happen in areas near hotels and restaurants. Women are especially vulnerable to crime and are frequent targets. Women travelers should never travel alone because incidents of rape have been reported in some areas.
Kidnapping is a common crime in Peru. Travelers are often abducted and forced to withdraw money. In some instances, taxi drivers have been involved in these crimes so it is best to hire a recommended taxi driver from your hotel for the whole day. Never take a ride from a stranger and be careful when touring the area.
When traveling in and around Chiclayo, it is important to follow a few precautions for safety. Be prepared for military and police roadblocks, if they happen, do not attempt to cross them with out permission. Should you be stopped by the police, politely ask to see their credentials. Some criminals have been posing as government officials to gain the confidence of their victims.
Remember, the majority of crimes such as theft and kidnapping happen to travelers appearing affluent---keep money hidden on your person and, if possible, do not carry a bag. While traveling in Chiclayo and the surrounding areas, stay inconspicuous; keep the designer clothing at home and travel as modestly as possible.
