Costa Rica, long cherished for its peace and tranquility, has recently been grappling with an unsettling rise in violence. The surge of unexpected criminal activities such as kidnappings, random drive-by shootings, and even schools suspending classes due to threats of violence, signals a disturbing change in the country’s narrative.
Armed Robbery at National Technical University (UTN): An Unsettling Incident
The most recent incident took place on Monday at the National Technical University (UTN) in Alajuela. Armed criminals intruded on a classroom setting and robbed students of their belongings during an evening session, between 6:30 and 7 pm.
Luckily, a quick-thinking student was able to alert the police before her phone was confiscated. The swift response from authorities led to the apprehension of the assailants and the retrieval of the stolen items.
The National Security Crisis: A Call for Increased Measures
Such incidents reflect a broader national security crisis, which is both terrifying and traumatizing. The UTN emphasized the severity of the situation in its bulletin, noting that it “forces us to take more measures in order to guarantee the protection of the life, health, and integrity of our community.”
In response to this alarming episode, the dean of the UTN is taking concerted steps. Alongside coordinating internal actions, the dean is liaising with the Public Force to establish measures that will enhance security for everyone using the University’s facilities and moving around the campus.
