We stayed at budget places, so our experiences would be different than at more upscale places, where there are security guards,etc. So, in a BUDGET place, I would not leave any valuables in the room at any time. Always lock the door if you have valuables inside. Don't sleep with the door unlocked or open, even for ventilation purposes. You CAN be ripped off. Wouldn't walk on the beach at night except with a group of four or more. Again, these don't seem like extraordinary precautions; certainly no different than what I would do in the US. People think that AC is so mellow and laid back, that they forget these common sense precautions. laugh