We just got home after a LONG day. We were scheduled to leave on the 8:00 a.m. AA flight this morning so last night we packed most of our stuff in our suitcases and put 2 of them in an extra bedroom (we had rented the 3-bedroom house at Carib Inn). We also had some of our snorkel gear laid out in there to dry before packing.

After we finished packing Mike said he was going to get the stuff out of the safe so he wouldn’t forget. I told him to leave it in there and I would add it to my list to pack the next morning. I was tired and he wasn’t so we hid the keys to the safe in our secret hiding place and I went to bed about 1:00 a.m. and set the alarm for 5:00 a.m. so we could finish packing. I left the bathroom light on so Mike wouldn’t have to fumble around in the dark when he came to bed.

When Mike got tired he decided rather than wake me he would just go sleep in the third bedroom for the few hours he had to rest. He said he had a hard time getting to sleep because he kept thinking he heard something and got up several times to look out the windows. The house is not air-conditioned except in the bedrooms so we had the windows open in the rest of the house which we didn’t think was a problem since there were bars over the windows. I had noticed and even mentioned to Mike earlier in the week that the bars were bolted from the outside and could be unscrewed from outside the house.

At 3:30 a.m. I heard Mike screaming “Noooooooooo” and jumped out of bed figuring he was having a nightmare. I ran out the bedroom door and he immediately asked me if I was okay. I still was thinking he had awakened from a nightmare where something had happened to me. He then said the words that still cause my stomach to churn “We have a burglar”. He had chased him and the thief had dived head-first out the kitchen window.

Our suitcases were gone from the extra bedroom as was much of our snorkel gear. He had awakened when they went into the bedroom where he was sleeping and they had taken his shorts that had his drivers license, some pocket cash, and the keys to the rental car. I immediately went back into the bedroom where I had been and got the house keys, packed my computer in my backpack, packed my camera gear in my camera case, and headed back to the living room. By this time Mike had closed and locked all the windows.

We had no phone, no transportation, so we did the only thing we knew to do – we went to Bruce’s house and stood in his front yard yelling his name till his dogs woke him up. He immediately came outside and we told him we had been robbed. He opened up the office for us and called the police then grabbed a flashlight to head over to check out the house.

They had moved one of the patio chairs under the kitchen window (the darkest part of the yard and hidden by a tree) and unscrewed the bolts from the bars. This is purely speculation but we believe there were at least two because Mike said when the burglar dived out the window the bars were straight out from the window. When we returned with Bruce they had swung back in place so we figure a second person heard Mike scream and held the bars for his partner.

Our suitcases were on the back terrace and had been rummaged through. The only thing they took from them was the sack with Mike’s socks (go figure). Even our fins were still there but we figure that is only because we scared them away before they could grab everything out of them that they wanted. They got our masks, a mesh dive bag, and about $70 in cash (including the cash we had left for the housekeepers). Because Mike had broken from routine and been in a separate room he scared them off before they came into the room with me, my computer and camera equipment as well as the safe which held our passports and most of our cash and all of our credit cards.

They had even gone so far as to take the food out of the refrigerator and check the paper towel rolls and everything else in the kitchen looking for hidden cash.

Bruce was totally awesome through all of this and we are very grateful for his understanding and assistance. Four police officers showed up in about 5 minutes (we were pleasantly surprised) and took our statements and filled out a report. Bruce walked around with us and looked to see if we could find any more of our stuff. We did find the t-shirt we had bought for our grandson in the yard. No driver’s license, no rental car keys.

Bruce parked one of his trucks behind the rental car so the thieves couldn’t come back and steal it and then told us he would be back in an hour at 6:00 a.m. to take us to the airport. It was the longest hour of our lives. We sat in the house with all the lights on staring at the stuff we still had.

Bruce showed up right at 6:00 and we loaded our suitcases in his truck. On the way to the airport he told us not to let the rental car people give us grief. No one was at the Budget counter yet. Someone else waiting at the counter asked if Bruce’s truck was a rental – we said no that we had been robbed and they got our rental car keys. He said they were staying at Windsock and had been robbed the previous week.

Since no one was at the rental counter yet, Bruce drove us to the AA counter and told us to go ahead and check in then walk back to the rental car agency. When he got out he saw a friend of his (a resident) who said she had been robbed between 8:00 and 10:00 the previous evening while she was out to dinner. So the first two people we see that morning had both been robbed. This is ridiculous!!

After we got checked in we walked back to the rental counter and told them what happened. They told us we would have to wait for them to go to Carib Inn and check the rental car. We did as Bruce suggested and said they could do what they wanted but we were leaving so I’m a bit apprehensive what they are going to charge to my AmEx card. I guess we’ll soon be testing how good the AmEx premium rental car insurance is!

Bruce was wonderful through all of this and we are thankful he was there for us. I don’t know what we would have done otherwise – thank you Bruce – we are eternally grateful.

I would also like to say a special great big thank you to Wally and Eva whom we met at the airport and they were so kind and compassionate to take time to talk to us and even make us laugh which felt really, really good. Thank you Wally and Eva for your kindness and generosity – we are forever grateful.

It was a horrible experience but we consider ourselves very lucky that neither one of us were hurt and all we lost was two masks, a dive bag, $70, Mike’s shorts and socks, and Mike’s drivers license which expires this month anyway.

The lesson I would like everyone to learn is that bars won’t keep you safe – nothing can keep you and your belongings safe if a thief really wants them. Bruce is already planning alterations to his security but as he says, no matter what he does it seems like the thieves are always one step ahead.

We had booked a villa for next year earlier in the day yesterday and we are going to cancel it – I can’t imagine being in a private villa and having that happen with no phone and no transportation – I never want to put myself in the position to be put in that circumstance.

This was the best vacation we had ever had up until that point. Below is a picture we took at Margate Bay. But we are really unsure now if we will ever return to Bonaire.

Mike and Belinda Z

Belinda, I am so sad that you folks had this most unpleasant experience.

Is it just me or does it seem like there is a robbery/burglary reported on BT about every week now?

Seb, you are not alone in your observation. I hope the culprits are caught soon.

It seems to me that we always say we hope they're caught-then some are, and new ones pop up. The island/govt of Bonaire needs to get a handle on this.

Yeah, they need to screen the people better coming in from Curacao IMHO. Any resort w/o security may become the exception rather than the rule.
I mean, if there is on incident reported per week here, how many do we never hear about?

A week or so ago someone here reported a theft by a person recognized by the police as a suspect in several burglaries. Same crew??? It seems the police/courts put one group out of business and another takes over. And as noted in the story above, residents suffer also.

I hate too think of the need for the following on Bonaire since I began there when people didn't need to lock their doors but... Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a portable battery/wall powered motion alarm? There are many times such would be useful, in unoccupied rooms as in this case.

Belinda,

Sorry to hear that your trip ended on such a sour note.

Now most of you here are going to shoot me as I think I've jinxed the crime thing...you see, I was in a local dive shop a couple of weeks ago (mid-March) and the owner was putting together their fall trip and mentioned that they were going to Curacao and not Bonaire primarily due to the crime over the past year. I spent over two hours convincing him that Bonaire was exceptionally better diving (it is) and that the crime was being addressed and seemed to be on the wane. I showed him the Bonaire Talk website and we went through some of the recent posts and that the folks responsible for the break-in/assault in Sabedeco had been caught and were being prosecuted ... yada, yada, yada ....

WELL ... over the past two weeks he keeps emailing me snippets from the recent trip reports ... and now this! Guess he'll take his 24-30 guests to Curacao this year.

I'm dissappointed that this continues to be an ongoing problem. I guess Bruce should consider a couple of 1000 volts running though those bars to insure deterence and elimination of the "pests" <vbg>.

Bob
Bethesda, Md.

Glen, such a device is common and fairly easily available from mail/web order. I see them all the time in catalogs.
Bob, there is NO comparison between crime riddled Curacao and Bonaire.

Belinda,

I am so very sorry to hear about what happened to you on your vacation. I have a home on island and after that violent crime in Sabedeco, I had security bars put in to entirely enclose my back patio area and all windows have them as well. Now, you said the bars were unscrewed from the outside. My bars are cemented in the concrete, no way to unscrew them throughout my place, maybe Bruce can do the same. I feel very safe with the set-up I have. It's really a shame to have to go through such drastic measures to be safe, but until the police start really cracking down, arresting and enforcing a punishment that will deter such crimes, I fear that this will keep occurring. I am not sure what the punishment on Bonaire is for such crimes, but I think that it could be more strict/hard. Here's hoping that the government/police come up with something soon as it appears by all the recent posts that crime is starting to increase again. (sigh) I do love Bonaire and will continue to go to the island and hope for a better tomorrow. Debbie

I've been to both Bonaire & Curacao and in my opinion Bonaire diving is much much better. However, if Dive Ops start cancelling trips or choosing Curacao over Bonaire because of the crime situation, maybe that'll create the incentive they need to start dealing with the situation. If the tourist industry starts suffering, especially the dive shops, maybe they can exert enough pressure on the government to get something done.

I've been to Bonaire twice and I absolutely love it there. I hate hearing about these issues and I'm very sorry for Mike & Belinda.

Glen, here is a link that might be of interest:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=49-426

and I have actually take these on trips to Bon.
http://www.mightymart.com/detailI.asp?prodid=3504

We also have an alarmed door wedge which we take on our hols. I hate hearing reports that people have had such a bad experience, I'm so sorry Mike and Belinda.

Oh no Belinda... I just posted on the other thread that you were home already ??? This is just terrible terrible news. I am so sorry this happened to you, I am so thankful that Bruce was there to help you both.

What a sad thing to have happen on your last night of what sounded like a wonderful vacation. Thank God neither of you were physically harmed.

We are concerned over all these reports of break ins as we have our first ever trip to Bonaire booked for Christmas & New Years. We always take the usual precautions for our personal safety and the safety of our things when we travel but this seems to be going beyond what one can reasonably do to protect themselves. My husband is now wondering if we should reconsider and go elsewhere.

The Police, the Government,auto rental agencies and hotels & resorts know the break ins are happening. Most of the Resorts & Hotels have tried to secure units with bars on the windows, locks on the doors and security guards on the grounds at some of them. So why are these security measures not working? There is something very wrong with this picture.

Bonaire is a small Island with a small population and as we all know its not the easiest place to get to or from. Based on size & numbers, why is it so hard for the Police to catch these thieves?

Suzanne

It seems like I have read several of these reports in the last few weeks where the break in happen the last night of the trip. Do you think they plan it that way or is it just coincidence because most people travel Saturday or Sunday and those are typically higher crime nights?

The Radio Shack motion detector looked like a good possible deterrent.

Belinda, Great post!! I'm very sorry for your ordeal, I had a similar one a few weeks ago (with Mike and Mark), see post:
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/219663.html?1112221845

For all going to Bonaire - please take the precautions. This used to be a "vehicle" only warning, but it's obviously escalating to rooms WHILE OCCUPIED!!! It's only a matter of time before is becomes assault!!!

For those that live or work on Bonaire (especially at resorts or government) - HELLO!?!?!?! This should be a wake up call!?!?! Do you realize that tourism is one of your biggest incomes? And that if tourists/divers are too concerned about theft that there are many other much safer islands/dive destinations to go to?!?!?! I know that most of our group WILL NOT be going back to Bonaire until things change there, if ever.

Sure, the diving is wonderful in Bonaire and we met many people I could now call friends. But is it worth the change of being robbed again when they're breaking in any time and any place? Things need to change on the island!

It's just a shame that a few worthless individuals are ruining such a wonderful place. And it seems the police and government aren't doing enough about it. Whether it's the laws in place (especially that witnesses to crimes are publicly listed in the newspaper so no one will be a "witness"), or that there's corruption - total speculation, but it wouldn't be the first time.

BTW - that Radio Shack device would be the best option. You definitely want a motion detector type device, not a door/window sensor (because you'll need one for every door and window). A motion detector will detect any motion within it&#8217;s visible range, so you&#8217;ll need one for every room. The easiest way to figure it, place your head wherever you&#8217;ll put the motion detector and where you can see, it can see (within it&#8217;s range of motion &#8211; see the manual). And bring extra batteries... (I'm an ex-alarm technician, so I have 1st hand knowledge).

Anyhoo, sorry for the ranting, but it's just so frustrating!

I am with Dave on this (I am the Mike referenced in his story). That was my first trip to Bonaire and Marks second (He was robbed the first time on the last night as well! - Just a scuba rolling duffle and masks) AND we were both robbed this time (Cameras and computer gear). I do not think that it is a coincidence that all of these robberies happen on the Friday night. We all pack our stuff up as the flights leave early in the AM... the thieves just need to pick up the bags and go. They even went into our room to get my computer bag to put my laptop from the living room in before they left. They seemed to know just where everything was.... it is too weird. Makes me wonder how many times they had been by when we were diving to get it just right before the friday when they really hit the place.

I am from originally from small towns in Oregon and Colorado and the police ALWAYS knew who did it when things happened. I cannot think that they do not in this case too.

I loved the vacation and the diving and the people but the last night.... well, I am just not planning to return now... and am telling everyone I know to avoid Bonaire now. Until they can get this thing fixed... spend your tourist dollars elsewhere... it is just not worth loosing all those things you spend years saving up for or making that $1500 vacation into a $6000 vacation by having to replace all your dive gear, cameras, computers, and other things (like drivers licenses, changing account numbers and passports in my case).

I would really, really love to return ... BUT ... not like this.

Take care... I am so sorry to hear that what happened to us is still happening to others as well, you have my sympathies... I know you feel violated (as do I) But remember all those wonderful people you met as most Bonairians are very nice people.

Bonaire has a daily influx of people from Curacao, an island that has a much higher crime rate from what I have read and learned talking to people.
As far as finding the culprits. we can only hope they will be found. But there is an influx of folks from Curacao that I believe is responsible for this crime wave, and a heck of a lot more international traffic than Oregon I would think.

Mike, if you guys lost that much stuff, you might investigate filing a claim on your homeowners or fire insurance. Especially since you went to the trouble of filing a police report ( I hope you got a copy!)

Yes, Michael, it is very important to remember that most people on Bonaire are very very nice.

Can you tell me where you were staying when all of these robberies happened? My husband and I are planning a trip and would like to stay at the Divi Resort. Anyone heard of robberies here? Would it be better to stay in a regular room or a studio?

seb and Kelly, I'm sure Mike will agree (I was with him and robbed as well) that we loved Bonaire and would head back in a minute - except for it's not worth the chance of theft again. It needs to be handled/controlled locally. If I planned on a trip with expendable and insured gear and ready for the filing of claims hassle, sure - I'll be right there...

I was still there for another 1/2 day (different flight than Mike) and got our police reports. Our insurance has helped us and helped to quench the fire. But there's still smoldering ashes...

I understand your reluctance to return, Dave, I guess what I am trying to say is don't assume other islands are safer than Bonaire simply because those islands do not have forums like this where such tourist unfriendly information can be posted. I suspect that many islands would be less safe in comparison to Bonaire. I know a couple of years ago the murder rate in the Bahamas was way out of control.
Most of these problems are, I suspect, ultimately, due to cocaine trafficking.
I want to make clear I sympathize with and feel the pain of all victims of crime on Bonaire. I wish there were a simple solution.

Do you suppose the moderator would allow a new topic, such as: "Where did you get burglarized at?"
If a trend were noticed, I'm sure the owner of the resort/location would take stronger action.

Think I'll start one. It's under Everything Else Bonaire: "Where did you get burglarized at".

TKS for the links, guys.

seb, I understand your point. I do not know where you have traveled, so I will not presume anything. But I have been to over 20 resorts/operators/countries (diving and non-diving), in the Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic, including but not limited to: Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Caymans, Bermuda, Jamaica, Australia, Guam, etc. Some of those have reputations (like Bahamas and Jamaica) for burglary and assaults. So far Bonaire has been my first experience with theft, and the only one that you had to take precautions like this. And BT is not the only type of forum to hear about this. Anyone can go to Rodales www.scubadiving.com and look up trip reports, or Conde Nast http://www.cntraveller.com/, or Undercurrent http://www.undercurrent.org/, etc - the list goes on and on. Bonaire keeps popping up about the burglaries. And it is going to effect tourism...

I think one of the big factors towards theft is the lack of a way to communicate the theft. At our resort, and from what it sounds like - at many of them, there are no phones in the rooms. So how would you call the police? We had to find a local with a cell phone. If there was a simple way to call the police - like a community phone or "panic button" at each building or resort, that would help to stop the burglaries. The thieves know they have plenty of get-away time before the police even get notified, let alone react to a call and get there.

I too wish there was a simple solution, but one key factor that keeps coming to mind - Bonaire is not that big and with a fairly small population. People know people who know thieves. There can't be that many places to off load stolen goods. I would have given a reward to whomever offered information about our theft.

Just think how it COULD be if the thieves were actually caught and punished. Crime would go down, tourism would flourish and the whole island would be for the better. (OK, that's my dream...)

Belinda, I am so sorry you had to go through this, it must have been very frightening to say the least.

Out of curiosity, I did a search for "crime on curacao" and came up with some interesting info...wonder if any of this money has reached Bonaire (probably not I assume)...

Curacao under state of emergency

From another info page:

---

quote:

Common safety precautions make sense on Curacao as elsewhere. Crime can always occur, and is on the increase. Always keep tabs on your belongings and valuables; use hotel safes whenever possible, and don't leave items unattended on the beach, or your bags unattended at the airport. Lock your car (even if it's a rental).

---

Dear BT friends,

Thank you all for your kind words - we are still upset but are thankful it was not worse than it was.

This was our second trip and last year we rented Crown Courts 44a in Sabedaco and one night we left a few things outside to dry and forgot to bring them in when we went to dinner and needless to say they sprouted legs and walked away while we were gone. We kicked ourselves for being careless and vowed to do better this trip.

Without air conditioning I really don't think it is an option to leave the windows all closed and locked all the time but you can be sure if we do return to Bonaire when we are gone or sleeping every window and door will be locked and alarms will be set. I don't hold out much hope that even this will stop the thieves if they really want what we have but it is definitely our next level of caution.

Once again thanks for your kind words.

Belinda and Mike Z

I agree with Seb the other islands of the Caribbean also have crime and some of them a good bit more crime than Bonaire. There are people coming and going from Curacao and Aruba and other NA islands every day. The stolen items are probably being taken to a larger population island to be sold or fenced. Those of us who will continue to go to Bonaire need to take the same precautions we would take anywhere.
I am from a small southeast Texas town (pop-3500) that up until about 10 years ago we did not lock doors to our homes or cars, we walked the town streets at night and never worried. Now you can't do any of those things. Crime has soared because we are only about 90 miles north of Houston and 140 miles south of Dallas and people are coming in from outside of our community.
I do understand everyone has their own opinion and I respect that, this is just my 2 cents worth.
Andy

Get real folks!!! In this thread there seems a real feeling to rationalize these crimes. Oh, Bonaire isn't so bad just look at other places. Garbage---There should be zero tolerance by visitors. Unless we have this zero crime attitude with the Bonairian government they obviously will do very little to help. They have done very little so far so why should they change if we do not keep letting them know how we feel. We keep telling our selves to keep the windows down on the truck rentals, bring a motion detector with you on vacation. How rediculous is that. Bonaire is tourist dependent plain and simple. If we don't keep letting our feelings known to the government Bonaire will go the way of Nassau, Barbados, etc. Do not accept this crime. If we do we will lose our dive heaven.

Here-here Melvyn!!! I was wondering why some seemed too eager to be complacent. That, like you said, is exactly why nothing has happened to stop crime. We need to push the issue. If tourists leave, 1 of 2 things will happen:
1 - Bonaire will go down the tubes and no one will come back
Or (and hopefully)
2 - Crime will be investigated and punished more seriously and Bonaire will once again become a divers paradise.

I would love to come back, but not until I don't have to worry about my gear instead of enjoying a dive...

Dave, I've been to Honduras (Roatan), Belize, Caymans, Dominica,Cozumel,Turks & Caicos, USVI, and Hawaii. Crime against people was a problem in several of these places, with armed guards with machine guns at some resorts. Tourists were murdered by robbers in Roatan while I was there. I've lived in NYC for over a quarter century, including the crack fueled 1980s when I lived in the thick of the east villiage drug trade, when the cops would do NOTHING. In my boro of Queens the most popular crime is stealing cars, there are many fewer crimes against people. Though there was a recent attack on Bonaire last year, crimes against people on Bonaire are very infrequent. Which seems to me a much better situation than an area such as Curacao, where 50 people were murdered last year due to armed robbery. This is why I sigh when folks talk about "safe" Curacao.
If I thought a boycott of Bonaire would help the situation, I would be jumping on the bandwagon; I am not convinced. I too hate the present situation, and I tend to blame the crime on BON on spillover from Curacao. Comparing an island tourist hub with residential inland towns that have a stable population and workforce is not a valid comparison. Yes, you might get ripped off on Bonaire, yes it is horrible and makes you feel awful, but you feel nothing at all if you are dead.

I don't think that we are "complaisant" (sp seb)...anyway...I have to agree, that in comparison, the crime on Bonaire is minimal, compared to other places in the world.

Someone earlier mentioned that there are no boards like BT...to inform folks of such crimes. When I did a search for crime on Curacao, and Aruba, I came up with weak whimpy links...BT is the only board I know of that is dedicated to one island, and has thousands of registered users and even more lurkers...so of course, when you are violated, you post....on most other sites, there is not the "community" that we have on Bonaire...it is our neighbors and friends that are being violated...big difference here.

I do agree that the police need to make a more concerted effort to respond and follow-up to violations (and what feels like rape, been there) to your home or vacation rental. Again, I don't think we are making excuses, however, again, while on vacation in any foreign country (or home)...you need to take all of the necessary precautions and be vigilant and not get lax in doing so when protecting your valuables...

Please email the following people with your concerns about crime, and that there is a need to do something about it...

Gedeputeerde van Tourism:
Burney Elhage
elhage@bonairelive.com
Bestuurskantoor
Plasa Wilhelmina
Kralendijk Bonaire
Phone +717-4020


Gezaghebber Herbert Domacasse:
gezag@bonairelive.com
Bestuurskantoor
Plasa Wilhelmina
Kralendijk Bonaire
Phone +717-5330 tst. 220

Ramonsito Booi ( Statenlid)
rtbooi@bonairelive.com
Ministerraad Bonaire
J.A. Abraham Blvd.
Kralendijk Bonaire
Phone +717-5330 tst 117/118

Extra Bonaire
E-mail Address(es):
extrabon@telbonet.an

papiamento news paper
Ultimo
Josef Rodriguez
sje@telbonet.an

I retired from law enforcement after 20 years in the state of Nevada, as a Correctional Sergeant. I am only 43 years old. Give me your local law enforcement responsibilities and I will try and make your life's and vacations more peaceful. Those found guilty, and I will find them, will pay. All citizens will be made aware of the punishment doled out. We will need to build jails, and my force and I will fill them. Promise.
Allow me to send my resume. Boats filled with thugs from neighboring islands will stay at home if felony activity is made absolutely intolerable.

After talking to Belinda and Mike at the BON airport and hearing their ordeal I flew to CUR and listened to some Canadians tell the story of their rental car being stolen. The joy riders did $2300 damage. The Canadians said a car was stolen the week before from the same resort (I won't name it but it was over by Lac Cai).

Crime is everywhere ... in Socal they even steal the entire dive boat:

http://www.truthaquatics.com/conception_news.html

I like others have been all over the Caribbean and been in the dive travel business since the 80's. With all the trips I've booked and executed there have been only 3 locations where any of my clients have had problems: Puerto Rico, St Thomas and Bonaire. On PR and St Thomas both were "held-up" at gunpoint at night. On Bonaire my clients had their flip-flops and cold beer stolen from their vehicle at Karpata.

Just this week there were 3 shootings on Grand Cayman (all within 36 hours), others have posted of similar crime in Curacao. I had mentioned Curuacao in an earlier post since that's where a local dive store is going as opposed to Bonaire. Their belief is that the RESORT on Curacao has better security and that they can do all their boat diving witout worries of theft. Are they missing the better diving on Bonaire ... absolutely. But they believe they are getting a better overall experience and the shop owner is minimizing his "risk" since he is ultimately responsible to his clients for "knowing" about these incidents and steering his clients in te best ad safest direction.

Here's an idea ... I estimate that for a small "fee" $25/person visiting Bonaire that reducing or eliminating crime could be accomplished... we would just provide this "fee" directly to the thieves (ala like free needles for IV drug users in the US)This way they wouldn't need to steal .... after all $25/person is LESS than the new marine park fee and would provide even greater benefit and such a small % of our overall vacation cost. See "fees" can be good....<vbg>

Bob

Judging by the number of responses to Belinda’s and Mike’s experience in Bonaire, it struck a nerve. We have made two trips to Bonaire and I can say that the one this March is my last. Let me add my recent experience and please forgive the long posting.

Ironically, we tried to get into the Carib Inn, where Belinda and Mike stayed, for March 23-30, 2005, but had to settle for the Yacht Club Apts.—which has a night watchman. We had no problem there, but had a near-incident elsewhere with probable thieves.

After a morning dive at Karpata, six of us (two women-four men) sat and watched several trucks, vans and cars of locals come by slowly and eye us. There were four or five trucks at the site and maybe 10 people besides us. None of the local trucks stopped, and we privately accused ourselves of being alarmists (and maybe a bit racist). Then we went on up the coast around the Bopac terminals to scout an unmarked site. At this point we were alone on that part of the island. Two of the vehicles that had passed us at Karpata soon appeared--a red pickup truck with four men and a car with two or three. They went by, then returned and parked a few hundred yards away around a bend in the road.

It was too rough by that time to dive the site, and we felt a bit apprehensive with these people hanging around, so we went to Rincon to have lunch in a little bar there. We parked our truck in the vacant lot across the street and 10 minutes later, the same guys appeared. The car pulled up in front of our truck and their truck pulled up close to ours, blocking our view of our truck and gear, which was in the back One at a time, all our guys walked out to stand by our truck. When the third of us came out of the bar, the guys left. When we returned to the bar (after moving our truck) all the people inside, who were Rincon residents and very nice folks, were grinning at us. They also knew the guys in the truck and car.

Bonaire is nice and the shore diving is unparalleled—but so is the theft. It seems that the local authorities treat these incidents as victimless crimes, inasmuch as they happen to tourists who will be gone in a few days. It is certainly asking too much to assume they do not know who the thieves are. Nevertheless, nothing has changed in the three or so years I have been following events there. So for my part, I am staying away. There are too many good places to go without the constant threat of contributing my dive gear to thieves who operate with apparent impunity.

Cynde, thanks for the contacts. I will definitely be voicing my opinion to them.

To all of those that say it's not too bad - enjoy your next robbery.

I, on the other hand, will not be coming back to Bonaire any time soon. I've been too many places where I could leave my gear right in the open where anyone could grab it - and yet it remained right there. Places like the Great Barrier Reef, Cayman Brac, etc. which can easily be competitive in the quality of diving, if not better overall. Bonaire is still tops in shore diving, but here in San Diego I do a lot of shore diving, so I don't mind the boats.

And I do agree there is going to be crime anywhere in the world. But Bonaire is the only place I've been to where it's so blatantly open, with such a small population and geographical area, yet I have seen nothing done by the officials/government. That's my frustration. If only an attempt was made to stop the crime. I'd love to see a crime rate per capita for Bonaire. Or anywhere else. Anyone know where that info can be found?

BT is definitely unique for it's local talk, but the info for any other location is out there. It does make you wonder that IF "Bonaire is a safer island" and yet we see this kind of theft reported on BT, then what is it like on the other islands/locations we do hear about crime - what is unreported? Kinda scary for those places...

Okay folks help me out here.....first crime is everywhere no matter where you live even if you take all the precautions if a thief want in he will get in. Dad all ways told me a lock is just to keep an honest man honest...I know it's hard to have vacation ruined by people who choose to take advantage of those who will have little recourse because they are tourist. I feel for those that had to deal with the thieves...to be asleep and wake up to someone in you room is the hardest part to deal with...you can replace the items but, not your life at least they ran.

Tell me what would happen if a "tourist" hurt one of these scumbags would the cops be as willing to look the other way or be as passive????

Also with the unemployment on the island I have heard about seems someone on the island would start a security force the business/tourist could use for the times they need...we travel to Myrtle Beach for the bike week and the hotel adds $2 to the bill to hire a guy to watch the motorcycles during the night time (he's 6'5" about 300) and they haven't had a bike stolen in years...we also provide him with a few brews to pass the time.

With all the good folks on the island I hear about, somewhere..someone could be trusted to watch 2 or 3 places at a time in the out of the way places...if they have help they can call when they need it. As for the resorts they should be the ones who flip the bill to hire/use as many needed to protect you and your property after awhile the thieves will get the message and just pass on by.

Me I say the front desk...since a lot of these places do not have phones should issue 38's
instead...cuts down on the need for police response time and also can save on jail space.
Tourist should be given a free nights stay for the number of bullets contacting the target.

Now I know that's not the answer it would just make it more like other islands where the thieves will arm themselves for protection....and more tourist would be involved in more violent acts of crime.
The best thing is to do is your homework and tell your host you are concerned about safety issues on the island and ask what type of protection they will provide you when you arrive ask them if they would put that in writing if not check with someone else a few extra bucks might be worth it.

Just hate those not responsible for items lost or stolen signs...if they were it wouldn't happen as much. And maybe for those shore dive trips a let's say tour guide could be brought along that would be willing to earn money to just sit around and watch your rental. Don't have all the answers or imply anything I said would work except for the "do your homework" part.

Belinda and Mike I am glad you're okay and not harmed that's the main thing.

Dave, and anyone else in the same situation, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE e mail the addresses Cynde posted above and explain that you are not coming to Bonaire due to the crime situation, and you will not be returning until something is done. If therE is going to be an informal boycott, we might as well get some good out of it.

Hi Wally and Eva!!

Your post causes me to send out another big thank you to Bruce for having the insight to park one of his trucks behind our rental car so that the thieves could not come back and steal it. Because of his thoughtfulness our card has been charged $200 for replacement of the ignition switch and door locks rather than the $2300 the other folks you talked to were charged.

Another big thank you to Wally and Eva - your conversation at the airport was instrumental in our recovery from this ordeal and we can never thank you enough.

Belinda and Mike Z

Bob, I hadn't hear that the Conception was stolen...what idiots...and they hit 3 vessels leaving the harbor sinking one...unbelievable...

I have a hypothetical question here. Does anyone know what would happen to a tourist if they fought back? I mean, if the intruder did not have a weapon, and the tourists woke up to him being inside and then just put a beat-down on him?? Obviously with a weapon that changes things, but in a "hand to hand" combat situation... would the tourist get in trouble for beating the living snot out of a local?

Good one Kelly....I asked that a few post ago really thought I could get a rise from someone even if they think I'm wrong....Not sure how a self defense or In fear of my life defense works for a tourist.
And another question it's an island right not far to run...the local cops have to at least have an idea when a vehicle gets stolen where it's heading...or at least when they see someone driving around with latex gloves on (or they would leave fingerprints) to a least check them out.

I think we all should take Karate!!!

This may be a dumb question, but.... What do they do with the stolen stuff - dive gear in particular? On an island that small, I'd think everyone that wanted to buy "cheap stuff" (ie stolen) would have bought all they needed or wanted. Where is their market to turn goods into cash?

That's a good question Gail. I especially want to know what they will do with my U/W video housing - since they were so smart that they left the back plate and camera mount/tray. The manufacturer, Quest Housings, is no longer in business for a few years now. So unless they buy them somewhere else, it's useless to them.

If the thieves are reading this, I have a back plate and camera mount/tray for sale! :-)

I emailed the news dept. for the Amigoe News paper asking if they would check into the crime problems on Bonaire and what the local authorities are doing to combat it. It may not be much and they may not even respond, but at least I feel I tried to do something. Somehow ignoring the problem just doesn't seem right.

Suzanne

I believe that the law enforcement/drug abuse/theft problems of the present are a product of Dutch custom and law. That is, the relative leniency of the Dutch system.

I don't know if the Dutch system is good or bad, but certainly it seemed much "sweeter" to me 35 years ago than now.

I first went to Bonaire in '86 and even then there was a nite watchman at Capt. Don's. A friend who has led about 70 trips to Capt. Don's said that she knows of only 1 theft involving her guests in all those years and trips.

Anyway, I have been watching the referendum with interest. Bonaire residents chime in. Is there any chance of changing attitudes toward drug abuse/burglary?

I hope there is a solution, otherwise tourists will be staying in fortress/resorts; diving out front or from boats. Venturing out only for airport runs. An end for many restaurants, rental cars, house and apartment rentals, and diving freedom.

We have to been to Bonaire once and have not returned, because of the threat. We will be there from 4/7-4/16 and can't wait to dive Bonaire again.......maybe. Had no problems the 1st time but are very leary this time!!! I am wondering how many thefts we don't hear about?? First timers who don't know about the BT and just go away and never return. Bonaire is such a great value and EXCELLENT place to dive I hope the few bad "eggs" don't ruin the economy for the forthright citizens that are just trying to get ahead and realize the BUSINESS they have.

(RE: April 5 posting by Jim Woodward.) While I agree with Mr. Woodward’s recognition that theft on Bonaire is ruining it for tourists, linking the problem to drugs and the “leniency of the Dutch (legal) system” is not productive. These are not issues we tourists can affect, and are probably irrelevant. Drug use is prevalent throughout all the islands we have visited, but this theft problem seems peculiar to Bonaire. Its root is most likely lack of local enforcement, not drugs or the Dutch legal system, which is, at most, remote. The Bonaire “Travel-Guide.com” (http://www.bonaire-travelguide.com/economy/index.shtml) describes government in the Netherlands Antilles as follows:

“The seat of the Netherlands Antilles government lies in Willemstad, Curacao. Bonaire and each of the other four islands within the association maintain control over internal affairs, but it is the central government based in Curacao that regulates police affairs, post, telecommunications, aviation, public health, and education, among others. The Netherlands Antilles government is based on a parliamentary democracy, and Parliament comprises a council of ministers and a prime minister. Bonaire, the second largets (sic) of all the Netherlands Antilles, comprises six distinct townships and villages. The island runs its internal affairs through an elected legislative council, an advisory council, and executive council, comprising elected members of the island council. A lietenant (sic) governor, who is appointed by the queen, lives in Kralendijk and oversees local issues.”

This suggests that the policies that govern law enforcement locally are local in origin, derived from the actions of locally elected officials. Efforts to affect change, therefore, would be best aimed at convincing the island’s business interests that their local officials are jeopardizing Bonaire’s livelihood by allowing this problem to persist.

Bob, local control would refer to the government of Curacao, as your posting makes plain. Bonairians do NOT have control of their government, police, or laws. They are controlled by another political entity, which has little regard for the problems of Bonaire. The laws of Curacao are derived from the laws of the mother country. Here are three examples of why this matters:
Should you catch some one robbing you red handed, you are not allowed to restrain them in any way until the police arrive.
Bonaire uses the "lesser force" doctrine which hampers an individuals right to defend their property.
Setting up a "sting" operation constitutes entrapment under the local law.
I believe that the influx of drugs in the region with their promise of fast,easy money, is directly responsible for the uptick in crime, both on Bonaire and in Curacao. I personally think drugs should be legalized, and heavily taxed, with all of the tax revenue only spent on drug education. Education is the only way to change people. We tried legislating morality in the US early in the last century; it does not work, and in fact leads to a breakdown of law, morals,and social order.

Thanks for the email addresses Cynde, I sent a not to each of them. We are new divers and our 1st trip is to Bonaire in July. I am a little uneasy about going there after reading about all of the burglaries.

Steve

I am so sad after reading all these posts. when people ask me why go to bonaire i have always mentioned the safety and feeling of security as one of the reasons. we are returning to bonaire in september at a gated resort hopefully our trip won't be marred by theft or fear of it.

The following paragraph appears in the online edition of the NA newspaper Amigoe (http://www.amigoe.com/english/) today. Our continuing emails to Cynde's list will help local efforts along.

"KvK: Criminality very worrisome 

"BONAIRE – The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) in Bonaire, Aubrey Sealy announced his concern about the criminality on the island.  It very often happens that the tourist accommodations get looted.  Sealy is of the opinion that the time has come for a discussion between justice and businessmen in the tourist industry. 

"The periodical deliberation between the mayors of the Neth.Antilles, takes place between April 12th and 14th in Bonaire.  Also the new Justice-minister David Dick and Governor Frits Goedgedrag will attend that meeting.  One of the matters that without doubt will come up for discussion is the alarming criminality on the islands, especially in Curacao.  Nevertheless, also the usually quiet Bonaire experiences a worrisome increase of criminality.  It continuously happens that accommodations of tourists are being looted, which considerably dupes the tourist.  Sealy mentioned several examples of break ins.  Managers of accommodations for tourists do not even report the crimes, because they are of the opinion that the police do nothing with the reporting.  The police tell the victims that these kinds of robberies happen on a daily basis in Bonaire.  Sealy does not consider this good news for the tourists.  According to him, the businessmen in the tourist industry should use the opportunity that the Mayors, the Justice-minister, and the Governor are on the island to present them with their problem.  The police say a lot but do not do much with regard to the safety of the visitors of this island, said Sealy."

One strong factor in the 'drug situation' not mentioned above is the effect of drug distribution 'mules' boarding KLM flights to Holland in Curacao and, more recently with the fueling stop switch, in Bonaire.

Flights from South America to Holland are a major source of drug importation to Europe. A search here will bring up references to the increase in crime in Curacao when the stops were there. And a similar increase on Bonaire with the stops there, as was anticipated. For a while, at least, bolita carriers were being removed from every flight from Bonaire to Holland. I suspect we just are not hearing about it now.

Newspaper articles, either mentioned here or in the Bonaire Reporter, have estimated that something like 50% of the population of Curacao is involved in local drug sales (don''t hold me to that oercentage but the actual number was incredible to an American). I doubt it is as high even in NE DC. It just ain't like the US.

(Message edited by glenr on April 6, 2005)

maybe they'll get their act together. bonaire is so inconvenient to get to and then add fear of theft and the tourist industry will go slowly down the tubes. when we first started coming to bonaire in 1999 the concern on the island was an attempt to build tourism without ruining bonaire. if crime continues to escalate the island is in trouble. its not exactly a tourist attraction unless you love what's under the water. its hard to enjoy that if you have to worry about what's going on above the water.

Glen R, Thanks for the post about Amigoe!! It appears the government is getting the message. Hopefully, with the BT posts here and everyone emailing the officials above, Bonaire can once again be that top dive location.

William T, That is scary to think that we can't even hold the thief if we catch them. "Lesser force" my ***!! That's like just sitting there going, "Sorry to disrupt your burglary Mr. Thief. Would you like me to help you load up my stuff?" Huh, whatever. I guess it will have to come down to self defense.

Glenn, did you happen to send that out to the resorts? They can't get too many copies, IMHO.

Dave hit on a post I was going to....my question is that if I held the scumbag down or if I feel I am in danger of my families life and cause injury to the @$$&0!# would I be the one going to jail or have to pay?

True story...had a MSgt in the Air Force involved in an accident in a foreign country he was parked in a parking space...a local driver backed in to his driver side door...in court it was determined to be his fault because if he had not been there (in the country) the accident could/would not have happened.

And as a side note/comment on your rights as a criminal under Dutch law.....

A bank robber has been allowed to claim the Ł1,400 cost of the gun he used as a legitimate business expense.

The 46-year-old criminal was able to set the price of the pistol against his gross proceeds of Ł4,700, which he stole in the southern Dutch town of Chaam.

Jailing him for four years, the judge at Breda criminal court reduced his fine by that amount. The Dutch prosecutors' service said yesterday that the judge had followed sound legal precedents.

Leendert De Lange, a spokesman, said: "You can compare criminal acts to normal business activities, where you must invest to make profits, and thus you have costs." Therefore drug dealers would be within their rights to claim the cost of a car used to ferry the drugs around, he said.

However, Mr De Lange scoffed at the hypothetical example of a drugs dealer claiming his Ferrari against the proceeds of his crimes. "No, he would have to prove that he needed the car to transport the drugs and I hardly think he would transport them.

Robber's gun a deductible expense
By David Rennie in Brussels
(Filed: 26/01/2005)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/01/26/wexp26.xml

NeilH

I received the email below in response to one of those I sent out to the email addresses suggested by Cynde (April 4 above). It is mostly self-serving, but I encourage the rest of you to express your concern also.
...........................
Dear Mr. Speir,

First of all I thank you for voicing your concerns to the appropriate
authorities and am hereby also ccing all concerned.

Bonaire has always been known as a save haven and is still a safe haven,
although I admit that there's a notorious small group of anti socials who
are responsible for petty crimes here on Bonaire. I still believe that
Bonaire can be qualified as a safe haven, as compared to other places in the
Caribbean....we still are.

Bonaire is a small island with approximately 13.000 inhabitants, whereby
tranquility, happinness and security characterize the sphere!

Crimes do happen everywhere, nevertheless....we all strive to have as less
of this as possible.

To give you an idea of plans in the pipeline;
More police in the different districts
More police patrolling the coast lines, especially the popular dive sites,
whereby the most critical dive sites will be given a constant surveillance.
Authorities are brainstorming on further measures, which I prefer not to
highlight at this point.

I highly value your feedback and appreciate the opportunity given to provide
ours.

A complete assurance of safety is practically impossible - not only in
Bonaire, but everywhere - however pls. keep in mind that authorities are
tackling this problem.

I regret that you will not be visiting the island anymore and regret the
fact that you will spread negative news on Bonaire, but do understand your
feelings and once again thank you for sharing these and hope you will feel
more at ease knowing that authorities are doing something, and hence I hope
we will have the pleasure to have you here on vacation once again.

I would also like to add that Bonaire has many repeaters who have enjoyed
the island's underwater and land beauty for years and that unfortunately
there's only a small part of total tourists who get robbed. Please if you
are visiting the island again, feel safe but also take necessary precautions
as you would do on regular vacations.

Feel free to contact the Tourist Board in Bonaire @ +599 717-8322 for
possible assistance, or our office in the States @ 1-800-BONAIRE.

Warm regards from Bonaire,

Ronella Croes
Director Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Well, he** yes, I have some feedback for that.... since when did AGGRAVATED BURGLARY/BURGLARY become a "petty crime" ????

I'd like to second Seb and Cynde's posts as to sending emails to the addresses annotated in Cynde's Post #13385 above. The last time there was an apparent spike in Bonaire crime, BTers mounted an impressive email campaign that seemed to help at least for awhile. I believe that this would be more effective than trying to get people to boycott Bonaire. This is just speculation, but my guess is there are alot of hard core Bonaireites, such as myself, that will keep going to Bonaire in numbers big enough to prevent a collapse of tourism on Bonaire. My bet is that we'll find ways to significantly lower the odds that we are going to get ripped off. That said, I think the better option is to encourage those who have not already done so to send those emails. As always, Bonaire rules and I refuse to yield to criminals. 16 Days and a Wakeup to HHH!! (I won't forget to tip the night watchman!)

I think it became a "petty crime" when it happens to people who leave the next day. AND probably when it happens to people who "can afford the loss". It just feels like they do not care... maybe the earlier suggestion to "tax" us on the way in with a $25 charge and give it to the thieves might be better. It is much cheaper and easier on my brain to pay that then have my stuff that I worked so hard for over the years to obtain get stolen from my room.

I will be writing to those people in charge as I loved Bonaire and not just sitting back on this issue... however, my tourist dollars and diving will be spent elsewhere and my recommendations to others are to avoid Bonaire until this is not a "Petty Crime" but rather something serious that needs serious attention. The resort owners should not have to have security guards (who cannot detain a thief???? Please)

I also received the same email as Bob Speir from Ronella Croes. Additionally, I got a response from Josef Rodriguez. Basically he just asked who I was and how I got his name. I responded to him and gave him a link to this forum.

BTW, we'll be making our first trip to Bonaire in early May. Despite all the thievery I'm still looking forward to it. I'll be sure to post a trip report when we return...hopefully I'll have good news to report. We always travel with dive/trip insurance, however, as a precaution, I've also taken out insurance (www.h2oinsurance.com) for all our gear (cameras, dive gear, laptop). Better safe than sorry.

Jeni - FYI I have H2O Insurance and they took care of me right away. All they wanted was a police report and list of gear with either receipts or replacement costs (websites or quotes). Still a pain, but that's with any insurance company. Payment was received within 2 weeks.

There are other ways to insure against theft, but H2O Insurance ALSO insures gear against flooding; cameras, video, strobes or other. Homeowners or other insurance almost always does NOT cover flooding.

A lot of your comments on BT have been used in the last 3 days in the local news paper Extra as was done last time.

For the ones who are interested in the political structure ... have a look under Local Items and search for referendum... it is not for nothing that the people of Bonaire voted for direct links to The Netherlands means to go out of the Netherlands Antilles... means get rid of Curacao which just does not care about Bonaire

Relating to all message posted on BonaireTalk, I Joseph Rodriguez from Ultimo Notisia Local newspaper & as free lance for Extra Bonaire, i've received tons of e-mail about questions to be answered.
I would like to thank R.A. Speir, Mike and Belinda Zapatka, LAW-Kelly Baum, Steve jarrad & Jeni VanDusen who e-mailed me throughout the beginning of this week. I've personally read all of the concern that was posted and pls, I know how all of you feel. I have started to make contacts with the government to inform him for a quick response on his behalf as the Lieutenant Governor of Bonaire. Please give us a couple of days to review the cases and shortly I would gladly answer all of the questions & concern about crime & theft on Bonaire.

Hope that the whole forum can understand my message in a whole.

My e-mail address is: sje@telbonet.an if you still have any more question please feel free to send them to me.

Best Regards,


Joseph Rodriguez
Reporter / Photographer
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Phone: 011-(599)-9-5150981

I hate to beat this to death...but why not, now that we have gotten started. I wrote the American Consul in Curacao and received the response below from the Vice Consul, Jean Akers. Probably would be useful for those of you with personal experiences to follow up with Ms.(?) Akers at the email address given.
...................................
Dear Mr. Speir,
Thank you for telling us your first-hand experience with regard to the
increased crime situation in Bonaire. This is certainly a matter of concern
to the U.S. Consulate General and the Department of State in general. The
Department does issue a Consular Information Sheet for the Netherlands
Antilles (available at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_981.html), which addresses
the specific forms of crime such as that you describe. We encourage all
Americans whose travel plans take them overseas to consult the State
Department's website for the most recent information about their
destination, including crime and other potential dangers.
It is also worrisome to us that you feel the local government is not doing
anything to address this issue. We take seriously rising crime throughout
our consular district and do all we can to monitor the situation and liaise
with host government authorities regarding this type of issue.
I will certainly forward your request to the appropriate officer in the
Department of Overseas Citizens Services for their consideration of a travel
warning for Bonaire.
Sincerely,
Jean Akers
Vice Consul
U.S. Consulate General
Netherlands Antilles & Aruba
Tel: +599-9-461-3066
IVG: x5-9484
Fax: +599-9-461-6489
Email: AkersJE@state.gov

Joseph,

Thank you for your response to our concerns. We look forward to hearing about your progress.

Belinda and Mike Zapatka

Thank you Mr. Michael King (ref. Post #6).

As I already mentioned in the above, I would greatly appreciate that all information could be sent to my e-mail address.
I've contacted you by phone but Unfortunately you were not in the office.

I'm working my utmost to bring quick & positive answer to this talk on BT.

Sincerely Yours,

Joseph Rodriguez
Reporter / Photographer
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Phone: 011-(599)-9-5150981

Is there some way that BT participants could send an e-mail petition to the tourist council/police/hotels and resorts of Bonaire indicating our concerns, and also indicating the impact of us not returning-not a promise of not returning, but what the impact would be if we didn't?


Perhaps some kind of format with the number of times the BT person has been to Bonaire, with a commitment of concern?

Sleep deprived thoughts, trying to come up with some kind of solution to get someone's attention.

Just a little higher up Cynde published on the 4th all the adresses to be used to send your concerns

While I'm thinking, please be sensitive to the people who have been victimized. Although it may seem petty to someone who has not, it is an invasion of privacy, not to mention the loss of your possessions. When my car was broken in to in the States, a sensitive police officer reflected my feelings accurately-first, denial and fear, then real anger. This is a normal reaction to any kind of victimization. Please thing about the fact if you haven't been in the shoes, you don't understand the walk.

I did that-sent all e-mails; one came back undeliverable. But, I think a COLLECTIVE e-mail might have some impact. After the first 10 individual e-mails, there might be a tendency to ignore the rest. But if there's one collective thought, signed by LOTS of BT people, might that have a more dramatic impact?

Mary,

Thanks for your post above - as someone who has been victimized I can assure you it is not petty to us. The worst part is we are spending our time and energy to figure out ways we could have avoided having someone rob us.

There is just something terribly wrong when reasonable measures (having all of your belongings inside behind locked doors and barred windows) is not adequate to protect you.

We live in an area where we can still leave our doors unlocked (we don't purposely do so) and we are terribly disgusted with the attitude toward crime on Bonaire. It should never be accepted as the norm.

The resident to whom we spoke that had been robbed the same night we were acted like it was business as usual and everything was fine because it had been 13 or 15 years since she had been robbed. I sincerely hope I never live in an area where residents expect to get robbed every so many years - that is a very sad way to live in my opinion.

Also, one of the emails I sent also came back as undeliverable. But I will keep emailing and writing and maybe possibly something will change some day.

Belinda

I live in a "small" town of 24,000. One of the most popular features of the weekly newspaper is the police & fire blotters. All crimes & arrests (other than traffic stops) are written up each week. Maybe the newspapers on Bonaire might consider this sort of feature as a wake-up call to the politicians.

Bob, it's a good response and a good informative link, you're not beating anything to death(here, anyway)

Hello. I'm new here but have been watching this thread (and similar threads) with great interest where my wife and I are going to Bonaire for the first time in June. I can understand the rifling of cars left unattended at dive sites by kids. I don't accept or condone it, but I can understand the difficulty in stopping it. There's no way the cops can be everywhere. What does have me concerned is the boldness of the burglars to perform a "hot" entry. This is really bad because it means they have no fear of encountering the occupant. This has got to be nipped in the bud before they go to the next level, direct confrontation with the occupant.

I think Sue Goodman has a good idea with the police log in the local paper. I would go a step further though. I would print a photo of the perp in the paper upon conviction and leave it in the paper for at least a month. That way everyone knows who they are and what they look like. That should make it easier for hotel security people to spot them when they come around.

Personally I think Bonaire should change their laws so that the punishment for a home invasion is getting tossed in the ocean at one of the "unsafe for swimming" sites on the east side, at night. They'll only be able to get caught so many times before their luck at swimming runs out. Hopefully that will make them reconsider their career choice.

just catching up on this very informative thread and have found wonderful thoughts and ideas about the recent crimes.. Thank you all.. when I read Bob Spiers post, he talked of going into a bar in Rincon where the patrons seemed to know the suspects.. I think since we can't BOYCOTT Bonaire, we can certainly boycott THIS BAR.. If these people knew the kids and didn't say anything I feel that it is as bad as abetting the crime itself.. just my thoughts.....

Belinda and Mike...

We were so very sorry to hear about your misfortunate incident at the Carib Inn, but we were not surprised at Bruce jumping in to be of assistance. He's always been helpful to many people in so many ways and has also been extremely concerned about this so-called "petty" theft for a long time. I'm sure he's expressed his opinion to many people, many times. Until more action is taken by the authorities, I don't what the answer is.

When we talked with you and Mike down at the gazebo, you both were so enthusiastic about your trip. How unfortunate these thieves had to ruin your Bonaire vacation. As I told you, John and I have been going to Bonaire for 13 or 14 years now and have, fortunately, never had such a negative experience. It does provide food for thought however.

We did enjoy meeting and talking with you and are thankful that no physical harm was done to you or your husband.

God Bless
Carol and John

Carol and John,

Thanks so very much for your kind words. We very much enjoyed meeting you both and we had some wonderful conversations which was a treat for us - we are not usually very social when we are on vacation.

Bruce was indeed great throughout our ordeal and we are thankful he was there for us. I have nothing but good things to say about Bruce which is one of the reasons we decided to stay at Carib Inn - we had met him the previous year and really liked him.

We have definitely been able to look at the positives in that neither of us were hurt and the items they stole were minimal - it could have been so much worse. After we got home and unpacked we did realize a few more things that they took which we did not immediately realize like Mike's electric razor and his jacket. But all in all, we are grateful that we got off as easy as we did.

Everyone on BT has been so wonderful and we are thankful that we have found such a great support system.

Belinda and Mike

Hi Guys....Good thread....maybe when can all keep pushing from this side to lend support to the locals who are fed up even more then we are with this junk.....Since the electric razor is now history Mike will have to grow a beard like mine. :-{|>

Wally,

I've never seen Mike in a beard - he almost grew one a few years ago but couldn't take the itchies. I wouldn't mind seeing him in one because a good beard can make a man look so distinguished.

He has a birthday coming up this month so he'll probably get a new razor for a birthday gift.

I think this redneck is going to take bear traps with her on her next trip to Bonaire. The thieves may not get put in jail but they will have a wicked limp to be easily identified by other tourists and they won't be able to move so fast in the future :-)

Belinda

I'm so sorry to hear about your burglary Belinda. Thankfully, you and Mike are OK. The portable alarms are a great idea....we will buy one for our trip in September. I hope they catch the guys...make an example out of them...a good old fashioned caning for a start

Cam, make sure that the alarm that you buy has atleast 130dp or it won't wake you or scare the intruders.. Ron

Thanks Ron
I would have never known that...seeing how this is generating so much response/debate (over numerous threads and numerous topic categories), I would suggest a new topic "Bonaire Security"...It could keep everyone abreast of the crime situation, offer tips such as Ron's, and may even spur the government into taking this issue more seriously...Just a thought....moderators?

We have just returned from Bonaire and rented a three bedroom house. Our security was enhanced by the owners letting us keep and care for their dog for three weeks.. Worked like a charm.. We had notice whenever anyone, any donkey or any dog came near the house. We left the trucks unlocked and only left sunglasses, shirts and sandals in the vehicle when we dove.. no problems.

On our last vacation we went to Roatan and the place we stayed had guards with guns. BIG GUNS! Made you feel a little safe, but a little scared at the same time. But hey if it works.

Some ideas... maybe a bit out there...

It's a small island with maybe not a lot of visitors. (As compared to a Disneyland or similar.) So any costs associated with solutions get spread among relatively few. However, the advantage is that there are some processes that maybe would be very expensive large scale would work small scale.

* The obvious is just increasing the penalties. I'd also make the penalties rely HEAVILY on community service. You get busted messing with tourists? After your jail time, you then spend a couple months in an orange jumpsuit cleaning up town, removing trash from dive sites and so on.

* Protect the basics: id/passport, etc.
Partner with a card issuer and create a Bonaire Credit Card. Or the whole region. You can order this in advance and it would have a picture and signature. When you get there, a couple of things happen...

- If you rent a car, the car rental company copies your diver's license and the credit card. At that point, you wouldn't need your license on you or anything else. Island authorities would be informed about this. They could either use a computer system to manage this or just a sticker with valid dates on the card. End result, when you get to your hotel or wherever, (or maybe a safe deposit facility at airport), you securely store all of these documents and just pick them up when you leave.

For cash, you keep very little on you. Make sure ATM's take this card for cash advances. Your risk exposure is minimal for this particular issue. There's now zero incentive for taking these particular types of items. They'd be worthless and minimal cash.

- Rental Cars. Chip them all. Either with GPS or RFID, or whatever. Worst case something happens in terms of full car theft, tracing the path should at least help with investigation. While you're at it, add car alarms and tie them to a comm system in the car with a break-in alarm. This would not be horribly expensive. In fact, though such things exist for individuals via a keychain and such, it might not yet exist for a system like this. But I'd bet a suggestion to one of the current manufacturers of such products, they'd see a market and build it. I wouldn't think such a thing would add more than a few $$ to total costs.

- Equipment
This one's harder. One thing I saw one guy had was a fancy computer that required an access code. If you didn't have it, it was worthless. Maybe every computer maker should be encouraged to add this feature. Destroys incentive to steal this item. Similarly, everyone pressures all manufacturers to stamp serial numbers on regs, first stages, etc. Dive industry association could keep an online stolen list. And shops should check the list when they service regs. Sure, the stuff will still work, but this should at least somewhat affect demand side. This dents the problem worldwide.

* Room Safety
So what? Sure, personal safety is always important. But I've not heard much about basic violence for the sake of it. If the above steps were fully taken, what would be left of value to get? Why break in? To get a t-shirt or two?

End result, thieves would be left with fins, masks and such. Sure, they have some value. But the risk/reward changes, doesn't it?

* Cameras. I'm somewhat of a privacy advocate. In fact, I wrote a 400 page book on consumer privacy. Still, in this case, cameras on poles at the dive sites, (solar powered and wireless connection... increasingly cheap), might be in order. Would thieves actually don masks and try to disguise their vehicles just to get a pair of sandles and towel?

I'm not sure the above individually would work. But all of it together? Issuing guns and the right to shoot to kill anyone entering your room while you're there would probably be a good deterrent, but ok, I do understand that that's really not practical. (Just kidding. Sort of.)

Anyway, I had a good time there. I'm looking forward to going again though just as this last time, I'll do what I can to take the same reasonable precautions when traveling anywhere.

Scott

I had my laptop stolen on March 11, 2004 and... Well, I got a call from a technician at a computer store on Curacao. It appears that my laptop showed up at the store with the person dropping it off trying to get the "password" taken off so they could use the laptop. The technician got the password off and then looked at the hard drive and found my information and called me at work a few days ago. My photos are still on there as no one could turn on the computer. He is making copies of the Bonaire photos that were on there from 4 different people and FedEx them to me on CD's.... OHG this is the greatest thing!!!!! It is soooooo nice to know that nice people are all over!!!!! Willo is a great guy! I am going to get my photos and so are the other 3 who used my laptop to store theirs as well!!! I hope there is a way I can get my laptop back as well. Not sure how it works in N.A. returning stolen merchandise but I hope I get it back... Thanks Willo for really looking.... HAPPY BOY HERE!!!!

I am so glad to hear that Michael. Please let us know how it turns out. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos too.

Michael,

That is great news! Keep us informed on the progress of getting your laptop back. Did you file a police report?

Belinda

Belinda,

Yes, I filed a police report and Willo is using it to contact the police on Bonaire to tell them that he has my computer. He also said he needed it so he could not give the computer back to the customer who dropped it off. SO with laptops... put a password on it and when it gets dropped off at a repair facility... those people like Willo check it out and assist in getting it back. He emailed me today that the CD's with our photos on them were FedEx'd today to me... OMG this is great... I am going to see these photos that I thought were gone forever (from some of the best diving and most wonderful vacations I have had)! It is so nice to know that there are good people out there! (By the by.. I always knew there were - Just a couple of bad ones who did the burglary... all the others.. very nice indeed!)

Signed... Very Happy Guy!!! Michael

PS.. Now If I could just get my Scuba Log back... but oh well... cannot have everything.

Hope you get the laptop back, too, Michael! Nice story. Carole