Be careful in Bonaire (Burglaries)

[Indian Valley Scuba]

However, for those of us running trips to Bonaire, having some insight into which hotels might have security issues would be beneficial information to share with our clients, so please post.

Thanks

 

[mike_s]

However, for those of us running trips to Bonaire, having some insight into which hotels might have security issues would be beneficial information to share with our clients, so please post.

Thanks

while I agree that it might be good to have some insight on which hotels have security issues, I have a feeling this isn't isolated to this particular hotel.

so I don't want to paint them in a picture of a place you're going to get robbed at. It appears to be a problem all across the island. (but more in don't leave stuff in your truck at dive sites than hotel invasions).

 

[ScubaSteve]

I had to make a scene at the airport (flying w/o passports, but with permission from Delta) and two couples came up to us and said they have been going to the island for 20+ years without any problems. However, three couples came up to us and said they were robbed that week (including one that had their wedding rings stolen). The rumor that we heard was that more than 5 places were robbed on that first weekend. I believe the good track record is what makes Bonaire such an easy target. We could potentially list each hotel that was robbed, but I think that would do more harm than good.

Once again, learn from our misfortune. Get travel insurance and be extra careful about your passports.

Thanks for that little tid bit however I personally believe that we are all adult enough to take any information that you give and take it into consideration. Most people do not write a resort off because of a single incident. As IVS has stated, for those that are scheduling trips in the near future, your information could spark additional questions for the resorts prior to booking (or even after booking). The statement of name does not have to be a deflamatory post.....just a passing of information.

 

[Papa_Bear]

It would be hard to believe it is any of the "Compound" Type resorts???? But if so we would like to know. I have stressed for a long time that people need to take precautions when traveling! I always guard my passport and would like detail to see how you became a victim? Which door, window, or what brought them to your group and not just one unit? Lots of questions, but very glad they have arrested suspects!

 

[dvrliz1]

Ok, just to let you all know, MANY hotels and private rental homes were robbed over the last few weeks. It is/was not limited to any type of hotel/resort/accommodations. Larger hotels, as well as smaller hotels and private rental homes were all affected. The majority of the places, like us have ample secuirty measures in place, but unfortunately the thieves became more creative and more professional.

I can tell you this, the group is/was a "ring" that hit the island 3 years ago. They were released late last year (nov/dec I think) and started up again. The police knew/know who they were/are and it to until this past month to actually catch them in the act. They are working right now on this case. Fortunately these guys are not looking at 3 years in jail again...more like 8-15 years.

As I stated in another thread, with the links direct to Holland coming up, the police have been able to have better training, more police, and better investigative tools, that we didn't have in the past. They are working on weeding out the "bad cops" as well. As you are all well aware NOTHING happens overnight in the Caribbean, but I have to tell you, as a resident of the island, I am seeing better response and follow up by the police department, as well as preventative measures. A lot of the dive sites are also being monitored by private security (not sure if they are working in tandem with the police and/or Marine Park), but the dive sites are now being monitored.

Things ARE being done.

Liz

 

[BDSC]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I know that's not the norm for the island but that doesn't help much if you are on the receiving end of a crime like this.

I just find it ironic that with all the chatter lately about crime on Bonaire here on SB that this just happened........again to someone.

 

[Papa_Bear]

My last time at TOLO we saw private security! Very good to hear and hope they get a handle on it! I still like detail, I think it helps keep you safe, on Bonaire and other places as well!

 

[dvrliz1]

Ok, I may get slammed for this, but please understand our point of view as hotel/resort/ accommodation owners.

IMHO it is appreciated that resort names are not used. We have, in the past, let it be known if we have been identified, and have stated what we have done to improve whatever the problem may be, robbery or anything else for that matter.

The problem I have with identifying the hotels/resorts, etc, (unless the hotel/resort, etc was totally unaccommodating or did not address or help the guest, which in all honest I have NEVER heard of on Bonaire...we even try and help people who haven't stayed at our place!!!) is this:

I can tell you over the years there has not been 1 place on this island that has not been affected by theft. ALL of them have, big and small. 99% have excellent security measures in place, but you know thieves...in desparation they will find a way, even if they get caught!!!) The problem is that if you identify the property (ies), it can hurt them terribly.

I can tell you this, the hotels/resorts/etc are just as upset about theft here on the island. For the majority of them, if they find a "gap" in security due to a theft, they come up with a solution to fix it right away. If a resort/accommodation/hotel name is posted, then in order to relieve or address a situation, they need to follow not only this board, but ALL boards to let you know what is going on.

A lot of the larger resorts (as well as the smaller ones too!) don't have the manpower or the time to follow the boards as well as I do (what can I say, I am an insomniac and work almost 24/7...lol). I can tell you though that security issues, or lack of once found are addressed at 99% of the resorts/accommodations, etc). BONHATA, the hotel association, works with their members on this, as well as pressing the local government as much as possible. They were recently successful in pushing to get better lighting in town, along the waterfront in areas that needed it to prevent this. They are constantly writing letters to the government, as well to address these and other issues that may concern our tourists.

THE RESORTS/ACCOMMODATIONS/HOTELS, etc are WELL AWARE how this situation is impacting us and we are doing everything we can within our power to enforce change for the better.

My personal suggestion for safety? If groups/individuals are truly concerned and want to be secure in their decisions as to which property to choose, Email the resorts/ accommodations/hotels you are interested in staying in. Ask them what type of security measures they have in place, and ask questions about everything and anything. This is the best way.

 

[Randy43068]

What you describe is not robbery.

Here's a heads up. There were many robberies in Bonaire last week, including us within the first 5 hours of arriving. They took our passports, laptops, video cameras, digital cameras, housings, dive watches, cell phones, cash, ipods, bags and even some clothes. They used a crowbar to break into the rooms and into the safe. We met 3 other couples on the plane back that were also robbed and they had met others during the trip.

If you are going to Bonaire, get some travelers insurance and ask to put your passports in the hotel's safe. Make photo copies of your passport and don't keep them in your safe (our copies were taken). They don't really know how to handle stolen passports on the island, so be extra careful with those. (They tried to send us back and forth between immigration and the visitor's center until I started yelling at people. That seemed to be the only way to get any kind of help.)

 

[ScubaSteve]

What you describe is not robbery.

:huh: Robbery with a case of B&E thrown in for good measure? Semantics?