Shore diving theft in Curacao?

[bkpix]

There is an active thread about shore diving theft, but it seems to just be limited to Bonaire. I'm wondering about the situation in Curacao.

We did shore dives last year and did not have any problems, but we are reading more and more about theft, and even an armed robbery, at the more secluded sites.

We always try to not leave anything of value in our rental; but stories of theft of coolers, lunch and seemingly insignificant items has me wondering what precautions to take in our upcoming March trip. The story of the armed robbery is especially alarming!

Leaving the rental locked seems to be an invitation to break the windows and look around, leaving it unlocked says "take anything you see."

Has anyone had any recent problems, and if so, at what locations.

Thanks, BK

 

[jd950]

Have been twice in the past year with no problems, but we don't leave anything in the truck that we aren't prepared to have stolen. Truck is always unlocked and often windows are down. Did have the dash radio stolen on the last trip, but that was overnight at the apartment and not on a dive.

Just like Bonaire, lots of broken glass around dive sites so it is obvious it is happening.

Haven't heard about the robbery(ies) do you have a link to a news article or something? I would be interested to hear where this happened.

 

[bkpix]

I'm not sure how to do a link, but here is where I read about the armed robbery.

Scuba Shore Diving Site Page for: Playa Manzalino of Curacao, ABC Islands

 

[bkpix]

I think I just learned something!!

 

[bacchus80]

We just returned from a 10 day trip and didn't have any issues. We dove sites like Klein Knip, Vaarsenbai, etc, where people raised their eyebrows when we told them we dove there. We always locked our car, left our windows up, and only took about $20, 1 credit card, drivers license, and the car key with us in the water in one of those cheap sealed things that ended up leaking twice; but no biggie. Nothing was showing in the car, and the only thing we kept in the trunk was our mesh bags, towels, and water.

Honestly, if you're the adventurous type that's shore diving on your own in the first place, and have the appropriate car insurance and are comfortable diving with nobody else around, I would recommend doing those sites that people say are "dangerous" (maybe not at night!), because they tended to be nicer reefs as they're not dived as much. Klein Knip was one in particular that I remember being quite nice...the quiet crystal blue awaits

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

The link mentioned above was from 2007. The 3 San Juan beaches are very secluded and our favorite shore dives. It's such a long ride in from the road that I don't know why anyone would spend the time driving in the chance that someone there would have enough money to make the robbery worth while. It did happen that time but I haven't heard of any other situations. I tell people that I wouldn't expect anyone to stop a tourist and rob them, but an unoccupied vehicle is another story. Please do not leave anything of value in your car. A thought; maybe since it's soooo easy to get from one dive site to the next in Bonaire it's more feasible for thefts than driving around in Curacao. I also tell people that if there are people around the thieves are less likely to strike. In Bonaire there isn't hardly any physical presence at most of the dive sites.
That said, we have heard of a number of house break ins this month. Apparently it's not just the locals but thieves from Bonaire and even Trinidad come to shop. Please make sure your rooms are locked and put your cash in the safe.
Things are still bad back in NH and a friend recently wrote that someone stole his lights and all the wiring from his plow truck. Things are not good anywhere. Sorry for all of us.
But..... if you are coming to Curacao, the shore diving is great. Just use your head and don't leave anything of value in the car/truck.
Best fishes, Sunshine

 

[jd950]

I guess for people inclined to steal the idea of a vehicle whose owners are going to be underwater for 45 minutes to an hour is just too tempting? I also think there are issues with the quality/motivation/quantity of law enforcement on the islands, but it doesn't really matter; its just the way it is and I have no ability to change it. I have heard similar stories about St. Croix shore diving as well.

I think I have read of recent increases in burglaries of apartments and rooms on Bonaire also, during the night while people are asleep. That really could keep tourists away. Hopefully it won't continue.

Sunshine...maybe you (and even David) will be up for a group dive at Playa Largu next time we are on the island? That road intimidated me last time I tried...I wasn't willing to risk having to hike out if the truck got stuck. Maybe its better in the dry season.

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

It is David's favorite shore dive. Last month he found, rather Stephanie found a seahorse.
It's a date!

 

[TN Traveler]

Speaking of Sea Horses (which Cindy and I never did find) - after we completed our last dive last Friday, another couple came up and said they had spotted a large Yellow/Orange Sea Horse out past the white buoy (farthest to the right) at Alice in Wonderland. Just our luck :depressed::depressed:

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Guess that means you'll be back as well. Thanks for the music and the visit! Happy Holidays to you and Cindy.