American tourists in popular vacation spot face increased risk of being killed, robbed

Officials are warning Americans to "exercise increased caution" when traveling to a popular summer tourist destination in light of violent crime rates and a lack of law enforcement resources throughout the country. 

The United States Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, according to the agency’s website. 

"Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists," the department said in a statement.