# Rising crime and insecurity in Colombia and Ecuador

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-crime-and-insecurity-in-colombia-and-ecuador
> Updated: 2026-09-12T13:14:43.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Public insecurity and crime rates have become significant concerns for residents in parts of Colombia and Ecuador.

In Soacha, Colombia, commuters reported a rise in armed robberies on public transportation, particularly along the Autopista Sur corridor. Victims noted that robberies involving multiple armed individuals occurred even near police stations, leading to frustration over the perceived lack of law enforcement response.

In Ecuador, residents of the Picaihua parish in Ambato organized a torchlight march to demand increased security following a surge in vehicle thefts, home robberies, and livestock theft. Simultaneously, in the Usaquén neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia, business owners and residents reported an increase in nighttime armed robberies targeting commercial establishments, often involving accomplices on motorcycles to facilitate escapes.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Insecurity concerns rise in Ambato and Bogotá

Communities in Ambato, Ecuador, and Bogotá, Colombia, are reporting increased insecurity following protests against theft and armed robberies in residential and commercial sectors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/insecurity-concerns-rise-in-ambato-and-bogot

### 2026-09-03: Soacha commuters face rising insecurity on public transport

Commuters in Soacha, Colombia, report increasing insecurity and frequent armed robberies on public transport, specifically along the Autopista Sur, amid concerns over insufficient police response.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/soacha-commuters-face-rising-insecurity-on-public-transport

---
Cite as: Rising crime and insecurity in Colombia and Ecuador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-crime-and-insecurity-in-colombia-and-ecuador