Punta del Este is a major resort city in Uruguay, known as the "Saint-Tropez of Latin America" because it is the favorite vacation spot of South America's rich and famous, as well a popular destination for wealthy Latin American families. In addition to having beautiful beaches, Punta del Este is also a city, high-rise buildings lining its resorts and hotels on the shoreline.  All of these factors, as well as its location in South America, add up to Punta del Este having possible problems with tourist-related crimes.  For the most part, Uruguay and its surrounding countries of Brazil and Argentina are quite poor and the lure of wealthy tourists is too much for many thieves to resist.    

If you are vacationing in Punta del Este be sure to use your hotel's safe and to keep an eye on your bags at all times.  Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and keep an eye out for suspicious characters or people acting oddly.  Do not leave valuables on the beach or hang bags on the backs of chairs.  If you do find something missing call the police right away to report it.  It is also a good idea not to walk in the city after dark.  Take a taxi if you are going out at night.