Be careful in Bonaire (Burglaries)

[DiverVince]

I am hoping you aren't refering to me there DiverVince as I'm not trying to bash Bonaire. I'm just trying to get information as I really want to go there. I unfortunately found myself involved in a bit of slanging match. Shame.

Gatorchick I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon. DV certainly ought to know what he's talking about given the experience he has of the area.

Hopefully I will be able to convince myself of the safety and arrange a trip to sample what I am assured is wonderful diving at Bonaire.

Good luck and stay safe.

Not at all Shortcuts. My comments were meant for someone else who has more posts on this board than stars which you can see in the Bonaire night sky.

 

[shortcuts]

Not at all Shortcuts. My comments were meant for someone else who has more posts on this board than stars which you can see in the Bonaire night sky.

Ok mate. I've been mataphorically slapped a couple of times in the past days so getting a bit paranoid lol.

 

[DiverVince]

Gatorchick, it might help you to know that diver vince owns several rental condos on Bonaire so, therefore, is less objective about the crime problem on Bonaire as those of us that have no vested, financial interest there. His Bonaire view is decidedly rosier than reality should dictate.



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Well PF, you may want to double check your facts before posting such drivel. Outside of VINIBU why don't you tell me what else I own? You can't because you don't know and don't have a clue (which doesn't surprise me). It's really that simple. So by all means continue with your ruminations about crime on Bonaire since obviously I can't stop you. I'm sure you derive some sort of satisfaction from it. Differnet strokes for different folks as they say.

My personal views of Bonaire are predicated on 25 years experience there. I really don't think you can match that. And; to set the record straight I've only owned (as if that's a reason not to be objective) for the last 3 years.

Between you & me, I'll be down there next week, and I can't wait!.
I sincerely hope you will be having as much fun in NC!

 

[pilot fish]

Based on my conversations with police and hotel managers/owners, there is a significant increase in burglaries on Bonaire

My advice, pay attention to the reality, not the hype, myth and outright disreguard for reliable and verified warnings.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Based on my conversations with police and hotel managers/owners, there is a significant increase in burglaries on Bonaire. Does this affect the reef? No. Should this affect the precautions you take on your trip? Definitely (unless you are always extremely careful). If I were simply doing a dive trip, then I would work around these problems. If I were looking for a stress-free vacation, then I would consider changing my plans.

Here are some things we were told by police or hotel owners/managers and things we observed:

1) On Saturday, January 30th, 2010, there were 7 burglaries (including ours) that they believe were related. I understood that number to mean 7 different locations. I don't know how many places there are to stay on the island, but that number is obviously statistically significant.

2) We met three other couples that were also burglarized (I mentioned this before). One of them had met a couple that had their wedding rings stolen. They claimed they lost 20k worth of stuff. I assume that the rings account for most of that.

3) We were told tourism on the island is down 40%. There seemed to be that many empty seats going to/fro the island. On, the two previous years' trips the planes were completely filled. In fact, two years ago one of our group got bumped off the flight coming home (another fun story). Obviously, bad economy means more crime. You can donote to Bonaire if you'd like: FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Support Bonaire

4) We always knew to leave the windows down when we park, however, this is the first time we saw evidence of vehicle break-ins. At Andrea II, every parking spot is covered with broken glass. Nobody is even bothering to clean it up.


I am getting some PMs about disclosing the names of the hotels that I know were hit. I am still reluctant to do that, but there are some helpful things I can say:

1) As far as I know, none of the places hit had nighttime security. Those are probably your safest bet.

2) Make sure you don't stay in an end unit. Try to get the units closest to the lobby/office.

3) If you stay in a building with multiple levels, don't stay on the 1st floor.

4) If somebody (dive shop, travel agent, etc.) is arranging your trip, do your own due diligence. No matter how safe they say the island or hotel is, I promise you they are not liable for 1 cent if any of your belongings are taken.

Just stumbled upon this thread from other recent victims:
Bonaire Talk: Crime in Bonaire

clafried,
Thanks again for the followup and additional insight. Since you have gone through it, your input and experiences give everyone a first person perspective to the issue.

I have some questions I hope you can answer... I understand if you cannot, but I'll try to keep it away from actually naming resorts...

1) On Saturday, January 30th, 2010, there were 7 burglaries (including ours) that they believe were related. I understood that number to mean 7 different locations. I don't know how many places there are to stay on the island, but that number is obviously statistically significant.

You mentioned that you believe none had night security... I take it that none of them were compound units (like at Buddy Dive or the Plaza)? Were they all smaller rental complexes?

2) We met three other couples that were also burglarized (I mentioned this before). One of them had met a couple that had their wedding rings stolen. They claimed they lost 20k worth of stuff. I assume that the rings account for most of that.

Capt. Gary and Admiral Brenda? I know they were staying in a rental cottage type residence, and their break in appears to have used a key for entry.

3) We were told tourism on the island is down 40%. There seemed to be that many empty seats going to/fro the island. On, the two previous years' trips the planes were completely filled. In fact, two years ago one of our group got bumped off the flight coming home (another fun story).

We chose not to make the trip to Bonaire last year... not because of crime but, because of the economy. I remember reading somewhere (I think it was DAN' Diver Alert magazine, but don't quote me on that) that dive resorts around the world are reporting tourism numbers being off by 35-40% and the reason they claim is the economy. Do you think some of the decline on Bonaire can be due to the economy as well?

there are some helpful things I can say:

1) As far as I know, none of the places hit had nighttime security. Those are probably your safest bet.

2) Make sure you don't stay in an end unit. Try to get the units closest to the lobby/office.

3) If you stay in a building with multiple levels, don't stay on the 1st floor.

4) If somebody (dive shop, travel agent, etc.) is arranging your trip, do your own due diligence. No matter how safe they say the island or hotel is, I promise you they are not liable for 1 cent if any of your belongings are taken.

Excellent advice, thanks!

 

[pilot fish]

My guess is that the economy plays a part, as does the unresolved crime issue, in the decline of toursts visits to Bonaire.

 

[messedup]

Hi. I was part of the OP's group that got burglarized in Bonaire and wanted to add my lessons learned to the post.

1. Leave unnecessary items at home. I brought an itouch since its fun to use on the plane and I also brought a book. The burglars now have my itouch but had no interest in the book. I plan to read more and play less with electronics on future trips.
2. Leave the phone at home if you don't have service at your destination. I had no use for my phone in Bonaire but took it for the car ride to the airport. Next time I will leave home or in the car.
3. Use traveler checks. I used to do this on every trip but have gotten lazy on my latest trips. That was a $300 mistake.
4. PDF file a copy of your passport and email to yourself. I think that was the most useful post I saw in this chat history. Never did that before but will do that now.
5. Based on conversations with friends - leave wedding rings home or on your fingers. Wall safes won't protect them. Not married myself but can't imagine the pain this must cause people who lost them.
6. Dive cameras video is at the heart of the diving experience for some but ask your hotel what accomodations they have to protect this gear. Bolt locks were not sufficient on our trip. The hotels may be willing to store this stuff in offices or more secure locations for you.
7. Remove batteries from dive lights in your room. Dive lights with batteries in them were taken. Dive lights without batteries were left behind. Seems the burglars have a fascination with AAs batteries but not dive lights. Who new.

Regards, Brian

 

[DiveMaven]

I really appreciate how the OP keeps coming back to update us on what she's hearing and give great advice for those of us who are traveling to Bonaire. It is refreshing to be able to read constructive, objective posts on a subject that is disturbing to all of us who love Bonaire.

We went to Bonaire for the first time in the summer of 2008 and although we had no difficulty getting into restaurants, there were divers at every site we went to, and we had to share a peg in the gear room at Bonaire Dive and Adventure. When we returned last summer (2009), we each got our own peg, we were often the only patrons in restaurants, and we typically had dive sites to ourselves. In speaking with the locals whom we had befriended the year before, they expressed grave concern at the huge drop in business. We're very interested to see what its like this summer when we return.

As a comparison, we go to Maui every Christmas and have noticed a HUGE drop in the number of tourists there as well. This past Christmas was the emptiest we've ever seen the island, and for the first time ever, our dive operator didn't have an afternoon charter everyday, and even added a New Year's Day charter (which we enjoyed). The startling thing is that Maui is a big timeshare island, with a lot of timeshare owners still going. The problem is that they are cooking in their condos and not spending money on activities or going out to eat, so the activity folks are hurting big time.

It's clearly painful everywhere that relies on tourists.

 

[DandyDon]

Thanks Brian but Travelers Checks are so easy to counterfeit now that they seem impossible to use anymore.

I think I'd add wedding rings (and any other jewelry) to the list of things to leave at home, wherever one travels - even for the newlyweds. I only have one ring and it never goes on trips anywhere. I even carry cheap pocket knives rather than my better ones.

 

[messedup]

DD, Do you know who is liable for counterfeit traveler checks? I wonder if it still would have saved me $300.