pilot fish
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On no island like Bonaire
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pilot fish
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You read honest reports like this and you wonder, what part of the Bonaire crime situation are they not getting?
Originally Posted by Waterskier1
I was with this group, but was not present on Thursday when the "capture" occurred.
It started when we arrived at Karpata on Sunday. Divers from the trucks we parked next to told us they had their shorts and t-shirts and hats and shoes taken. Then, about 15 minutes later, another group with about 6 trucks parked on the other side of the road returned from their dive and told us they had things stolen also. Shortly after that a "security guard" pulled up. He wanted to know what cameras and valuables we were leaving in our truck. We thought that odd, but responded truthfully that we didn't have any valuables and I had forgot my camera back at the hotel. At the same time, divers from the second group that was robbed, the first group had already left, came over to report the crime. Apparently that security guard was there when they went down the steps. He was not interested in their complaint at all. In fact, he kind of laughed at it (presumably since they were instructed not to leave anything of value). That was even more odd to me. I knew they couldn't do much about the theft, but thought they would take info for statistics or something.
When we returned from the dive, we found that our cooler with water/drinks were missing, and a basic save-a-dive kit was gone. So was the "security guard". We reported this to our dive op, knowing that not much investigation would occur. The value of lost items was minimal, but the thought that three separate thefts had taken place the same afternoon, at the same dive site, while security was present (off and on) seemed more organized than random. I was asked about the vehicle the security guard was driving, along with descriptions since there had been a security or police or someone with authority leading robberies in the past. We didn't had a lot of that info.
On Tues, about 5 trucks of us from this group surfaced at Ol' Blue (Toto). I found the same security guard, driving a different vehicle, checking out our trucks. He said he was making sure we didn't have any valuables to be stolen. When I commented that I knew him, and he was at Karpata when we had items stolen, he just laughed and said he remembered that incident. That's when we really became suspicious. I engaged him while another from the group searched his truck. We hoped to find cameras and dive related equipment, but didn't find anything. This time we noted the company name on his shirt, and the truck plate number. This was also reported to the Dive Op, and they were invited to the police station to present what we had found.
Then, on Thursday, some of our group found some kids hiding in the brush behind the ruins at Karpata. There was also a car(s) going around to what looked like to the group, to help pick up these kids. The group cornered the kids, and "captured" one. The same security company showed up (different person though) and was asked to call the police. The leader of our dive group speaks fluent Spanish, and heard this security officer call someone, and say that he was asked to call the police. Then he heard the officer say that he would tell us that the police were called, but couldn't respond, or something to that effect. That's when the leader called the dive shop again, and they in turn called the police. The group didn't have the police phone number with them. As I understand it, the kid they captured (I only heard of one captured, but there was more involved) also called his mom on his phone. His mom was there when three police vehicles arrived. They found a couple bikes the kids were using hidden in the brush. This kid was handcuffed. He and his mom were crying. He was transported to the police station. The group followed. They were asked to return the following day to sign a complaint, but I don't think any of them did. They either forgot or were diving.
I've mentioned this to two different friends who live on Bonaire. They both told me that nothing can be done with kids, who are simply released to their parents. There are no provisions for holding kids. They have no juvenile detention centers and can not be placed in jail with adults.
I am less concerned about the kids, and the ring leaders who recruit these kids. It is suspected that the kids take the stuff, and then someone with a car comes and picks it up. The biggest concern is that the security guard has either just left before the crime, or just returned after the crime. I believe this security guard is somehow involved. This belief has been escalated to upper level of Bonaire's government. Random theft by kids is one thing, but organized theft by adults - especially adults with whom we place extra trust, is different.
Bottom Line: Be very careful with what you tell the security guard, and be suspicious of any security at dive sites. When I left, it had not yet been determined if this company really was a company, and if so, that it was hired or had authority to patrol dive sites.
Originally Posted by Waterskier1
I was with this group, but was not present on Thursday when the "capture" occurred.
It started when we arrived at Karpata on Sunday. Divers from the trucks we parked next to told us they had their shorts and t-shirts and hats and shoes taken. Then, about 15 minutes later, another group with about 6 trucks parked on the other side of the road returned from their dive and told us they had things stolen also. Shortly after that a "security guard" pulled up. He wanted to know what cameras and valuables we were leaving in our truck. We thought that odd, but responded truthfully that we didn't have any valuables and I had forgot my camera back at the hotel. At the same time, divers from the second group that was robbed, the first group had already left, came over to report the crime. Apparently that security guard was there when they went down the steps. He was not interested in their complaint at all. In fact, he kind of laughed at it (presumably since they were instructed not to leave anything of value). That was even more odd to me. I knew they couldn't do much about the theft, but thought they would take info for statistics or something.
When we returned from the dive, we found that our cooler with water/drinks were missing, and a basic save-a-dive kit was gone. So was the "security guard". We reported this to our dive op, knowing that not much investigation would occur. The value of lost items was minimal, but the thought that three separate thefts had taken place the same afternoon, at the same dive site, while security was present (off and on) seemed more organized than random. I was asked about the vehicle the security guard was driving, along with descriptions since there had been a security or police or someone with authority leading robberies in the past. We didn't had a lot of that info.
On Tues, about 5 trucks of us from this group surfaced at Ol' Blue (Toto). I found the same security guard, driving a different vehicle, checking out our trucks. He said he was making sure we didn't have any valuables to be stolen. When I commented that I knew him, and he was at Karpata when we had items stolen, he just laughed and said he remembered that incident. That's when we really became suspicious. I engaged him while another from the group searched his truck. We hoped to find cameras and dive related equipment, but didn't find anything. This time we noted the company name on his shirt, and the truck plate number. This was also reported to the Dive Op, and they were invited to the police station to present what we had found.
Then, on Thursday, some of our group found some kids hiding in the brush behind the ruins at Karpata. There was also a car(s) going around to what looked like to the group, to help pick up these kids. The group cornered the kids, and "captured" one. The same security company showed up (different person though) and was asked to call the police. The leader of our dive group speaks fluent Spanish, and heard this security officer call someone, and say that he was asked to call the police. Then he heard the officer say that he would tell us that the police were called, but couldn't respond, or something to that effect. That's when the leader called the dive shop again, and they in turn called the police. The group didn't have the police phone number with them. As I understand it, the kid they captured (I only heard of one captured, but there was more involved) also called his mom on his phone. His mom was there when three police vehicles arrived. They found a couple bikes the kids were using hidden in the brush. This kid was handcuffed. He and his mom were crying. He was transported to the police station. The group followed. They were asked to return the following day to sign a complaint, but I don't think any of them did. They either forgot or were diving.
I've mentioned this to two different friends who live on Bonaire. They both told me that nothing can be done with kids, who are simply released to their parents. There are no provisions for holding kids. They have no juvenile detention centers and can not be placed in jail with adults.
I am less concerned about the kids, and the ring leaders who recruit these kids. It is suspected that the kids take the stuff, and then someone with a car comes and picks it up. The biggest concern is that the security guard has either just left before the crime, or just returned after the crime. I believe this security guard is somehow involved. This belief has been escalated to upper level of Bonaire's government. Random theft by kids is one thing, but organized theft by adults - especially adults with whom we place extra trust, is different.
Bottom Line: Be very careful with what you tell the security guard, and be suspicious of any security at dive sites. When I left, it had not yet been determined if this company really was a company, and if so, that it was hired or had authority to patrol dive sites.
Mike
Contributor
How about you actually back up accusations of 'T-ing off against somebody who tries to say what a great time they had and hope to go back"? I can't think of a single person who has faced that on this forum.
It's kind of ignorant to transform an issue in your head and then accuse others when there is no reality to your accusations.
Again, you have a wierd trait of selective memory. If you're referring to someone bringing it up all the time, let's keep it accurate. The people bringing it up all the time are the victims. They keep posting personal accounts of being victims of crime.
Nobody I know of on these forums is making anything up here. Do you think it's a conspiracy? Or do you think the accounts are legitimate?
You have a few bashers who haven't apparently even been there, a few folks (relatively speaking) who may have run into theft (a world-wide phenomena) or other problems there, so they have legit gripes and then there are a whole bunch of happy folks who enjoyed the heck out of Bonaire and can't wait to go back. Choose your source, huh? If you don't want to go, please don't. It'll mean more pixie dust for the rest of us who do go.// ww
Again, the issue isn't going back or going at all. The issue is the white washing of the crime on bonaire, especially by those beyond the 'fans' of bonaire, who have financial interest at stake and jump on board everytime somebody reports a crime and try to white wash the incident or blame the victim.
You think I'm wrong?
Typical scenario - someone reports their spare tire stolen -- well you should know that you're supposed to remove it and keep it in your hotel room like we do, somebody reports their car broken into -- well you should know that you're supposed to leave the car unlocked and let the thieves rummage through it -- someone reports their hotel room was invaded while they were asleep - well you should travel with a $5.00 door wedge like we do...someone reports their room safe being jimmied open while they are gone .... well you should not keep valuables in a safe, you should hide them in your room like we do....
... and then the very next thing out of their mouth after outlining a whole list of these anti-crime precautions is... there is no more crime on Bonaire then anywhere else.. this is normal.
Normal for an island of 15,000 people??????????????
LOL
Stick to the issue warmwater and don't put words in our mouths okay?
Bonaire's a warm, beautiful place with exceptional diving, but when people blow smoke up my butt trying to pretend it's a crime free paradise... and then the very next post on the forum is about how somebodies battery got stolen out of their rental car or how the security patrol is actually casing the dive parking areas.... come on now.
BHB ScubaTroll
Contributor
Good for you!We're back on Bonaire in May for 2 more weeks. It'll only be our 6th time (and 12 weeks total) but with all the pixie dust flying around, who's counting? I can see if someone went there, didn't like the diving or had a bad experience, crime related or otherwise, that they wouldn't go back. Heck, they might even want to "warn" others not to go but if they were honest about it, they would probably quit there. It's the ranters & bashers I just can't figure. They offer no experience "credentials" when asked directly how much, or even if, they have ever been to Bonaire and then tee off on someone who tries to say what a great time they had and hope to go back. I would chalk it up to boredom or simple mischieviousness but a few of you flog the place so much I am thinking there is more to it.
Crime, yeah. It's there. Welcome to the planet Earth in the year 2010. You know, if you did go to Bonaire, one thing you would tumble to; it ain't the US of A and the crime level there is pretty minor in comparison. A whole lot less violent and senseless too. So what though? I go to dive and have a great time while there. You few who seem to need something to kick will keep kicking but if someone is reading these recurring threads and thinks "Gee, I dunno--there must be something to the crime thing on Bonaire, they are ALWAYS bringing it up on SB" well, consider the sources.
You have a few bashers who haven't apparently even been there, a few folks (relatively speaking) who may have run into theft (a world-wide phenomena) or other problems there, so they have legit gripes and then there are a whole bunch of happy folks who enjoyed the heck out of Bonaire and can't wait to go back. Choose your source, huh? If you don't want to go, please don't. It'll mean more pixie dust for the rest of us who do go.
Well stated, on topic, personal experience, no personal white washing of crime... Enjoy your trip
PARADISE HUNTER
Contributor
Bonaire sound like a great place to buy some slightly used dive equipment. Anyone know where the pawn shops are?? 
PH
PH
KInd of makes you wonder why the thefts were so selective and did not take any of the owners stuff? duh. Like, how did they know?
Diver Vince is too busy spreading pixie dust. You've heard the expression, if you are not part of the solution, you could be part of the problem?
Ruh roh. That is as if stating a fact. You can get sued for that, y'know.
pilot fish
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Bonaire sound like a great place to buy some slightly used dive equipment. Anyone know where the pawn shops are??
PH
Roelf
Registered
It's easy to display the people of Bonaire as a bunch of thieves and such. But there's two sides to every story (anybody remember Joe Walsh singing that?), and I believe that about 90 percent of all crime on Bonaire is caused by personal carelessness and a lack of common sense.
I will tell you a story on this.
When I was there last summer, all of my valuables (including three credit cards, drivers license, ID card, cash, sunglasses etc etc) were robbed out of the car at Boka Spelonk, the loneliest place - in my opinion - you can imagine on Bonaire. Never seen anyone else when I got there. However, just 10 minuits away from the car, and Bang! No car, no traces, nothing.
Fault - completely mine. Never leave valuables, especially cash, unattended in the car. Of course, nobody locks a car day or night on Bonaire.
When we got to the police station some three hours later (finished our round trip first), guess what? Most of my documents were presented to me right at the entrance. Someone who is still unknown to me had found and delivered them in the meantime, credit cards and all (well, mostly all...). The cash, however, was completely missing. I also have to say that the Bonaire police are extremely friendly and helpful.
To make things short, I was told it probably was some kid that got there by bike, took all of my money and got rid of the rest. The kids are one big problem on the island - no jobs, no education, no perspective. You can't even detain them when caught red handed. They are simply handed over to their parents. Back to Start.
This is one big challenge for Bonaire - to offer some future to their kids. Kids that have a future don't hide behind bushes on lonely dive sites, waiting for prey.
The other thing, of course, is to have some common sense. No valuables in the house, or use a (hidden) safe or something. We had the luck to live in an area where neighbors are present all day (Santa Barbara). If you permanently reside on the island I would suggest using window shutters all over or even some alarm. But a simple dog might just do the job. Highly frequented sites like Karpata are famous for attracting thieves. Again, leave nothing, NOTHING, in the car. Leave it open. Use a drybox for IDs, keys etc. If you park in crowded areas - Kralendijk, beaches - it is not even a problem leaving your dive equipment in the trunk while shopping. We did lots of times. Never a problem. But lonely places like Karpata - no way. I was told they even steal car batteries sometimes.
To sum it up, most of the Bonaireans are friendly and open minded and the island's atmosphere is simply fascinating. So is the diving and I just can't wait to return.
I will tell you a story on this.
When I was there last summer, all of my valuables (including three credit cards, drivers license, ID card, cash, sunglasses etc etc) were robbed out of the car at Boka Spelonk, the loneliest place - in my opinion - you can imagine on Bonaire. Never seen anyone else when I got there. However, just 10 minuits away from the car, and Bang! No car, no traces, nothing.
Fault - completely mine. Never leave valuables, especially cash, unattended in the car. Of course, nobody locks a car day or night on Bonaire.
When we got to the police station some three hours later (finished our round trip first), guess what? Most of my documents were presented to me right at the entrance. Someone who is still unknown to me had found and delivered them in the meantime, credit cards and all (well, mostly all...). The cash, however, was completely missing. I also have to say that the Bonaire police are extremely friendly and helpful.
To make things short, I was told it probably was some kid that got there by bike, took all of my money and got rid of the rest. The kids are one big problem on the island - no jobs, no education, no perspective. You can't even detain them when caught red handed. They are simply handed over to their parents. Back to Start.
This is one big challenge for Bonaire - to offer some future to their kids. Kids that have a future don't hide behind bushes on lonely dive sites, waiting for prey.
The other thing, of course, is to have some common sense. No valuables in the house, or use a (hidden) safe or something. We had the luck to live in an area where neighbors are present all day (Santa Barbara). If you permanently reside on the island I would suggest using window shutters all over or even some alarm. But a simple dog might just do the job. Highly frequented sites like Karpata are famous for attracting thieves. Again, leave nothing, NOTHING, in the car. Leave it open. Use a drybox for IDs, keys etc. If you park in crowded areas - Kralendijk, beaches - it is not even a problem leaving your dive equipment in the trunk while shopping. We did lots of times. Never a problem. But lonely places like Karpata - no way. I was told they even steal car batteries sometimes.
To sum it up, most of the Bonaireans are friendly and open minded and the island's atmosphere is simply fascinating. So is the diving and I just can't wait to return.
pilot fish
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:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
rjchandler
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It's nice to see that the crime of "hiding in the bushes" is being addressed by the self help crowd.
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