According to the latest crime statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Guam saw increases in both violent and property crime in recent months.
The FBI reported a 19.7% rise in property crime from January 2024 to January 2025, while violent crime increased by about 7%.
Crime stats reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation from January 2024 to January 2025. Source FBI
However, sales of security products have varied between commercial and residential customers.
Cris S. Ortiz, general manager for G4S Guam & CNMI, said sales have gone down within the last five years for residential customers, but have increased for commercial businesses and government entities.
Ortiz said that the residential market has been impacted by online purchases and DIY security equipment, but the rise in crime leads to some homeowners wanting to install a security measure.
“There is an increasing trend of businesses and homeowners installing security systems, whether basic setup or a complex system. The rise in crime definitely creates the demand and requirement to have a security system in place. We believe this motivation is about risk mitigation, deterrence and recovery or business continuity,” he said.
G4S services more than 1,200 customers in Guam, which include businesses and residents.
OrtizFrom its home security customers, Ortiz said that the company receives on average 80,000 alerts per year.
He said the most common ways homeowners protect their property are CCTV systems, intrusion detection systems, and perimeter fence sensors, but he said there is no perfect system.
The largest barrier for entry for residential customers is the cost.
On average simple systems can cost about $1,000 to $5,000, and more comprehensive measures can cost more than $10,000, but cost depends on a variety of factors including property size, vulnerabilities, and the property owner’s appetite for risk, Ortiz said.
Regular system services are recommended, talking to a security professional to identify gaps, and getting involved in or joining community chat groups are extra steps one can take to improve security around a home, he added.
While a range of home security products and services are available to residents, some consider self-defense as an option. But several factors are discouraging potential firearm owners.
Juan Cruz, owner of JC Supplies, an independent ammunition retailer, said the cost of firearm ownership, government requirements, and public perception are significant barriers. Cruz, who opened his business in 2020, said firearms have long been part of his family’s life.
“My dad was a hunter; he was a shooter. A lot of my uncles were the same,” he said. “You pretty much find that a lot locally, especially within CHamoru culture.”
Cruz said many prospective gun owners underestimate the total cost. Beyond the price of the firearm itself, owners must register the weapon, obtain a firearms license, and take mandatory classes — each with separate fees.
He said prices rose during the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and higher raw material costs, an increase felt nationwide. At the same time, global uncertainty drove a spike in firearms purchases.
Prices for certain firearms in Guam remain higher than in the U.S. mainland. A Glock 19 Gen5, for example, can retail for up to $800 locally, compared to roughly $560 at Cabela’s, a major stateside sporting goods retailer.
CruzCruz said that even among those who own firearms, many are reluctant to use them in a self-defense situation. Although some residents carry for protection, Cruz said roughly equal numbers purchase firearms for hunting or recreational shooting. For many, the priority is avoiding confrontations that could result in legal complications.
Guam’s castle doctrine law allows individuals to defend themselves in their home, personal vehicle, or business. In some situations, however, individuals may be required to retreat before using deadly force. Cruz said the legal implications of using a firearm in self-defense weigh heavily on gun owners.
“If I draw this gun and I’m totally justified, all within my rights to do it, I’m going to go to jail,” he said. “I’m going to lose work … I may lose my job, all of that because it was a firearm.”
He also emphasized that firearms serve other purposes on island, including competitive shooting at national and international events.
For those purchasing firearms for personal protection, Cruz recommended ongoing training and a thorough understanding of Guam’s firearms laws. mbj
The Guam Department of Public Works has released the full procurement record and evaluation documents used to select the highest-ranked proposer for the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild project.
According to President and CEO of the Guam Visitors Bureau Régine Biscoe Lee, visitors from Japan and Korea have rated Guam an eight out of ten on overall satisfaction.
