BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 20, 2015–Following the double murder of two American men in western Belize this weekend, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the United States Department of State has issued a security message for US citizens in the Belmopan area, citing an increase in violent crimes between the villages of Roaring Creek and Teakettle, Cayo District.

It said that eleven murders have taken place since January 1, 2015 within the specific area of concern. That represents just under a quarter of the murders reported in Belize so far this year happening within a span of about 5 miles.

Last Friday evening, American retirees Julian Christopher Jones, 46, and Paul David Signorino, 61, were brutally murdered in the Pineapple Hill area, of Teakettle in the Cayo District.

“We remind U.S. citizens that Belize is a country that suffers from an unusually high crime rate. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all time,” the alert added.

It lists some security best practices as follows:

• Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to manoeuver.

• Always leave yourself an exit.

• Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.

• Avoid choke points in travel.  Be wary of diversions.