Security in Coz

[aa777888]

A quick search of the forum shows essentially no posts on "crime" or "security" in Coz. I suppose this is not surprising since crime there, relatively speaking, is reported to be low. However I still feel a bit nervous about leaving a room full of goodies: cameras, laptops, computers, etc.

Obviously one doesn't leave them out in plain sight. Is it worth locking them in the hard luggage? If they fit in the in-room safe, then there of course (although why the bad guys don't they just take the whole safe is beyond me--they're usually not that big and heavy!). Add to that the usual hotel drill of avoiding the first floor.

I'll be staying at one of the popular "diver hotels". Any other tips about security of ones belongings would be appreciated.

Thanks,

aa

 

[ch0ppersrule]

A quick search of the forum shows essentially no posts on "crime" or "security" in Coz. I suppose this is not surprising since crime there, relatively speaking, is reported to be low. However I still feel a bit nervous about leaving a room full of goodies: cameras, laptops, computers, etc.

Obviously one doesn't leave them out in plain sight. Is it worth locking them in the hard luggage? If they fit in the in-room safe, then there of course (although why the bad guys don't they just take the whole safe is beyond me--they're usually not that big and heavy!). Add to that the usual hotel drill of avoiding the first floor.

I'll be staying at one of the popular "diver hotels". Any other tips about security of ones belongings would be appreciated.

Thanks,

aa

I would lock my valuables in the luggage if I were you. We stay at the Occidental Grand and they have smaller safes (you make your own security #) in the rooms and our laptops and cameras (when not in use) are in our locked luggage. We haven't had any problems, but don't want to take the chance either. The resort recommends putting stuff out of sight. Don't be over worried. Make sure you get travel insurance which would cover your gear if need be. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

A quick search of the forum shows essentially no posts on "crime" or "security" in Coz. I suppose this is not surprising since crime there, relatively speaking, is reported to be low. However I still feel a bit nervous about leaving a room full of goodies: cameras, laptops, computers, etc.

Obviously one doesn't leave them out in plain sight. Is it worth locking them in the hard luggage? If they fit in the in-room safe, then there of course (although why the bad guys don't they just take the whole safe is beyond me--they're usually not that big and heavy!). Add to that the usual hotel drill of avoiding the first floor.

I'll be staying at one of the popular "diver hotels". Any other tips about security of ones belongings would be appreciated.

...No matter where you happen to go in the world on a scuba trip, two fundamental things are to take reasonable precautions and insure the hell out of your belongings. (Plus one other - if you absolutely can't live without it, don't take it.)

Yes, "reasonable precautions" might include locking computers, etc. inside hardshell luggage if it won't fit in the hotel safe. It takes very little effort for the extra security it provides.

 

[5615mike]

Everywhere I have stayed has a safe for valuables in the room. I have never had anything stolen from a room in the 15 or so trips to Coz. I have not had any run ins with criminal activity either. Coz is quite a safe place IMO. But when your 6'5" and go about 325lbs. you dont have too much trouble as my wife says.

 

[ggunn]

Most hotel safes are secured to an immovable object, so carrying the safe out would be very difficult for a thief.

When my wife and I travel to Cozumel, two of our checked luggage pieces are rolling Igloo ice chests to which I have affixed locking hasps. This is handy for a variety of reasons, one of which is that one of them serves as a lock box for cameras and dive gear when we are out of the room. The other one keeps the beer cold.

 

[jlyle]

Knock on wood. We've made more than twenty trips to Cozumel, staying at Scuba Club Cozumel, and have never lost anything. We use the hotel's safe deposit boxes for money/passports/tickets. Cameras equipment and my laptop have been safe in the room. We leave scuba gear hanging on the balcony and in an open storage area. The hotel is gated and has 24 hour security.

IMHO, we are more vulnerable at home here in California to thieves and scoundrels than we are in Cozumel.

 

[pennypue]

Most hotel safes are secured to an immovable object, so carrying the safe out would be very difficult for a thief.

When my wife and I travel to Cozumel, two of our checked luggage pieces are rolling Igloo ice chests to which I have affixed locking hasps. This is handy for a variety of reasons, one of which is that one of them serves as a lock box for cameras and dive gear when we are out of the room. The other one keeps the beer cold.

Good lord man, they could steal your beer!!!!!

I have only had a towel stolen while at Hotel Cozumel. Not too traumatic. But while I was there I know that there were a few thefts. One gentleman left his wallet unattended on a lounge chair. Someone else was at the police station when he went to fill out his report. They had some items stolen from their hotel room.

I like to leave a little money sitting in a small purse (with not much else in it but makeup) that way if they're looking to steal something they might take that and skeedaddle without looking for the 'good stuff'. (like the beer in the cooler......)

 

[Giggi]

Leave a couple of dollars on the night stand for your maid every day, and if you don't absolutely need it, don't take it. If you need to check email, go to one of the Internet places - they are all over the place - and get access for an hour for a dollar or something like that. Geez...this is vacation! Leave that laptop at home!

JMHO

 

[Rick Inman]

A quick search of the forum shows essentially no posts on "crime" or "security" in Coz...

Your profile doesn't say where you're from, but if you're from the U.S., once you reach Cozumel, you can relax.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

I like to stay at low-cost hotels. I say it's because I like the "local flavor," but my wife say's I'm a cheapskate. You decide.

Anyway, hotel safes are not always an option, so I've been considering PacSafe products.

http://www.pac-safe.com/

They offer a range of products based around wire mesh and cable locks. They might not stop a truly determined thief, but should stop knife-wielding thieves, as well as 'grab and run' types. I've had some experience trying to cut 'aircraft cable,' and that's some pretty tough stuff.

I'm thinking of getting the small pouch that's just large enough for our passports and digital camera. It basically has a 'slash-proof' mesh incorporated into the material, and a cable lock that you can use to secure it to a water pipe or other permanent object in your room.

Anyone out there used their products? I'd appreciate an evaluation, since I haven't even had my hands on one.