Tourist victim in Colon

The city lived up to its reputation when a Belgium tourist was mugged by a 19 years old man while she was strolling near the center at 8:45 a.m.

The criminal robbed the terrified female of her money and her personal documents, but was caught by the police while he attempting to flee the scene.

The Atlantic capital has been trying to clean up its image for the last few years, but there is a high index of gangs operating in the city center that assault nationals, foreigners and shops alike.

Colon is one of the first places visited by tourists arriving or departing in cruises. The Panama Tourism Authority, together with the National Police are trying to clear delinquents from the Colon 2000 port and city.

Tourists are considered by delinquents as easy targets, because they are easily distracted and carry money.