Guayaquil, Ecuador: Assaults at Traffic Lights Worsen

According to ElComercio.com in Guayaquil robbers are more likely to target women traveling alone for traffic light robberies. The Prosecutor’s office in Guayaquil say robbers frequent congested urban streets and conceal themselves among the trading stands in the median. Guayas officials caution people traveling on the avenues of America, Quito, and Juan Tanca Marengo, especially the locations between the main roads where most robberies occur. Police say they are increasing patrols and increasing actions taken by the Department of Child and Adolescent Specialty, since children commit many of these robberies. Additionally, police say some assailants use a car’s spark plug to break windows in order to commit the robbery. Also, when there are longer lights the robbers’ may use a gun to scare drivers into submission. Police say car theft is less common and that they will be organizing police presence at intersections where robberies occur most.Read Article