Violent crime escalated in 1999 and 2000 in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, particularly in the cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Throughout Honduras, street crime is the principal concern. Incidents involving armed robbery, purse snatching and pickpocketing have been on the rise. Travelers should steer clear of the El Rubi waterfall near Santa Rita de Copán, and exercise extreme caution in Tela, as there have been numerous reports of robberies, assaults and rapes in these areas.