1) Bars on windows/Watchmen on every corner is standard in every counntry in Latin America that I have see. Not unique to CR, by any means.
2) I have never even come close to being robbed. It has a lot to do with, awareness.
3) Being armed to the teeth helps.
4) There was NO security in the office that was robbed. The guys robbed them, stamped the parking voucher, took off the masks, and exited. If your counting on these guards at the gate to take one for you....Well, they won't.
5) I honestly feel MUCH SAFER here walking the streets than in my neighborhood in the States.
6) Other Latin American countries are DANGEROUS! Columbia, Venezuela, Dominican Rep., Purto Rico, Brazil. CR is not even in the majors, they are a AA club by comparison.
7) Still doesn't change the fact that it is getting more dangerous.