Increasing crime in Bonaire

[Lorenzoid]

The blotter only goes back one year. Why do you think that it proves there's an increase in crime? Where is the police blotter from 2005 that shows less reported crime?

You've got a point. I made the assumption--maybe a poor one--that because earlier discussions of crime on Bonaire didn't cite any instances of serious crimes that serious crime involving guns was a new thing on Bonaire. I've seen discussions about crime on SB and elsewhere, but this is the first time I've seen talk of armed robbery.

 

[Hintermann]

Having never been to Bonaire myself (but as I said, planning to go), I am happy to accept both sides of this debate and the fact that the reality lies somewhere in-between. But speaking from the perspective of a UK resident, there is a certain UK based "Bonaire specialist" booking agency (who shall remain nameless) the headman of which constantly argues that Bonaire is the safest destination in the Caribbean and all reports to the contrary are either false or greatly exaggerated. According to him, the only thing ever stolen from a parked truck in Bonaire from a British tourist in the last 10 years or so was a pair of shorts. The same person also assured me that his company were the only authorised agents for Bonaire holidays in the UK and to book directly with the Habitat or other places would be a lot more expensive. Like a fool I believed him till I found out recently that neither was true. But my concerns about "increasing" crime in Bonaire (and I don't know whether it is or not) was mainly due to the contrast between what this agent told me and what I read in Trip Advosor and elsewhere.

 

[ScubaSteve]

There are "extremists" in everything and Bonaire crime discussions are no different. Reality definitely falls in the middle.

........there is a certain UK based "Bonaire specialist" booking agency (who shall remain nameless) the headman of which constantly argues that Bonaire is the safest destination in the Caribbean and all reports to the contrary are either false or greatly exaggerated........

I personally would not hesitate to name that company since they are so obviously out to screw the customer. Maybe in a different thread but behaviour like that should not be rewarded with silence IMO.

 

[Hintermann]

I personally would not hesitate to name that company since they are so obviously out to screw the customer. Maybe in a different thread but behaviour like that should not be rewarded with silence IMO.

I personally won't and you'll forgive me if I don't acknowledge if someone else names them here but finding them is easy. Go to Google UK (not Google com) and type "Bonaire Specialist UK" and they are almost always the first link to appear. Looks good I know, and I am sure they are completely legit on paper but if you speak to the guy in person (as I have had the misfortune of in the NEC Dive Show), he can come across a very self-indulgent and annoying. Anyone who does not completely agree with him is looked down upon.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I personally won't and you'll forgive me if I don't acknowledge if someone else names them here but finding them is easy. Go to Google UK (not Google com) and type "Bonaire Specialist UK" and they are almost always the first link to appear. Looks good I know, and I am sure they are completely legit on paper but if you speak to the guy in person (as I have had the misfortune of in the NEC Dive Show), he can come across a very self-indulgent and annoying. Anyone who does not completely agree with him is looked down upon.

My post was not to egg you into confirming who it is. I was simply pointing out that poor business practices should not be rewarded. If you choose to not name them or acknowledge when somebody else does, that is your choice. We will all still sleep well tonight .

 

[Hintermann]

I have received more input from the enquiries that I have been making in Bonaire and I am beginning to get the instintive feeling that the place is not for me. Too much of a hassle with their induction courses, truck rentals and so on. If I have to worry about whether my recharging dive torch left in the room or my shorts left in the truck are going to be stolen instead of watching the passing queen angelfish, I have to ask myself if it is really worth going.

After all what can Bonaire offer that my Plan B for May 2015 - 5 days of diving in Little Cayman - cannot? Probably a couple more night dives but not a great deal more. I am going alone and diving is the main purpose of the trip. There is a good chance that I won't get to BBW when I go to Little Cayman in January 2014 and so a return trip should be more rewarding.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Even though Cozumel has not fallen victim to the rash of crime prevalent in other parts of Mexico, the number of tourists have been significantly down due to misinformation and blanket travel advisories. Fortunately, the people of Cozumel are aware that crime is a blemish on the travel industry and are at least taking on a proactive approach. I wish this behavior was modeled in other parts of the Caribbean as well. Word gets around and people will make other travel plans. Take Jamaica for example.

Exactly. If local authorities at any destinatin establish that they turn a blind eye to problems, I will choose different places to go. There are too many places in the world to pick from when it comes to spending my travel dollars.

Threads like this one do help when making decisions on where to go.

As for Bonaire, I would probably stay at the same hotel Vladimir does.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[Adaveke]

I find it very strange that people have such a big misconception of how it is on the Island. When I read a thread like this I would expect to wake up with a horse head in my bed...
I'm on the island right now (for the 4th year in a row) and simply loving the laid back atmosphere and diving.
There really is no place like it in the world...


I really think that people who worry this much about "crime" in Bonaire have no idea what the world looks like.
I'm not going to compare Bonaire to other destinations, because that would be like comparing apples and oranges... But believe me when I tell you I have seen places in the world where you should be worried about the crime, and Bonaire simply isn't one of those

 

[Lorenzoid]

I agree with Adaveke ... for the time being. My concern after sifting through all this is that crime on Bonaire might be increasing, not that crime (minus the expected pilferage from trucks) is especially bad right now in relation to other dive destinations.

 

[mbs]

Just back from my 6th trip in 6 years... I just love the place! Drinkable water, outstanding restaurants, and all the diving you can stand! What's not to like. I have lived all of my life in cities so I guess I find all of this discussion, well, quaint. Crime happens. If you let fear of it cripple you, its your loss. That said, I have been to LCBR a few times and it's a wonderful place! Enjoy your time there.