Increasing crime in Bonaire

[ronski101]

Bonaire has had a crime problem for many many years and the cops pretty much ignore it. Probably cuz it is a bit too close to home on a small island like that. 2 yrs ago our 4 wk old truck got vandalized at one of the south dive sites where the perps took the shift knob and trans boot and cover plate. They most likely sold it to a repair shop who ended up putting it back on the same truck after the insurance paid off. they have even trained truck rental places to make sure that you keep your truck unlocked to make their access easier. If cops would use a bait car this would stop in 1 month but of course they won't cuz it is a way some people on the island make a living....their neighbors.....or kids,........or relatives.......friends, etc......

 

[gypsyjim]

True, petty crime has been an issue on this island, as well as elsewhere, for quite some time.

The two actual thefts of dive gear that I know of were NOT crime by locals, but someone within our own dive community. From my perspective I am far angrier when fellow divers who obviously can afford to travel to Bonaire, so are not exactly destitute, steal our dive gear, than if something petty should be swiped from my truck by a local who probably has very little.

 

[deedeediver]

Good grief,here we go again , if you are so concerned cancel your trip, we cannt fix it,..............................................................

 

[Lorenzoid]

This thread was started over two years ago, and the original topic was concern about an apparent increase in MAJOR crime, like armed robberies of businesses, major theft from hotel rooms, etc., not petty theft from parked dive trucks. I can't say I follow the Bonaire Police Blotter site (or whatever it's called), but I can say I haven't noticed posts here or on Bonairetalk that suggest to me major crime is increasing. If anything, I am wondering if the Dutch authorities have done something to help ramp up policing. If the petty crime remains at the same level it has for many years, I'm okay enough with that.

 

[gypsyjim]

I do get Bonaire Police blotter updates from time to time, and there does seem to be an increase in more major crime, although I have seen similar increases on other islands I am familiar with, including St Thomas, Coz and Puerto Rico, all of which started out with more of such crimes.

We do need to be careful. Everywhere.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I do get Bonaire Police blotter updates from time to time, and there does seem to be an increase in more major crime, although I have seen similar increases on other islands I am familiar with, including St Thomas, Coz and Puerto Rico, all of which started out with more of such crimes.

We do need to be careful. Everywhere.

Oh well. I was optimistic that with the integration of Bonaire into the Netherlands they would get some help with their policing.

 

[MikeT73]

I do get Bonaire Police blotter updates from time to time, and there does seem to be an increase in more major crime, although I have seen similar increases on other islands I am familiar with, including St Thomas, Coz and Puerto Rico, all of which started out with more of such crimes.

We do need to be careful. Everywhere.

Well that's disappointing, although we don't plan to let it stop us from getting out and exploring. As with any location, we'll just do our best to take it in stride. Did you notice any trends regarding type of crime or specific places to avoid? (speaking Bonaire specifically)

 

[gypsyjim]

Mostly thefts of vehicles, though there have been robberies and assaults, and some break-ins at homes or rentals. It sounds like local on local crime is on an uptick, especially scooter and car theft.

I have not been paying really close attention, any more than I do our own local crime reporting.

 

[gkrane]

I didnt have any issues when we were there in late July. However, I did not see one police officer the entire time I was there and I did a lot of traveling around that island.

 

[Lorenzoid]

There are many "Bonaire crime" threads, but I thought I'd put this comment here, as this seems to be the most recently active one. It's been brought up that whether divers perceive Bonaire as crime-ridden depends on where the divers come from. What made me think of the Bonaire crime discussion was that our local news just reported 69 car break-ins in the city of Atlanta in a 2-day time period, and 3000 car break-ins so far this year within the urban core alone. Seemingly everyone I know has either had their home or car broken into at some point over the years, or at least knows a friend or relative who has. It has been maybe six or seven years since my car was last broken into. And I haven't had a gun pointed at me in 15 years. I'm looking forward to a relatively peaceful Bonaire trip in December.