Hello, I want to provide a quick summary on our recent stay. We have visited Bonaire several times, and like all of you, we enjoying diving in Bonaire and have brought many new divers to the island with us through the years. We have been blessed and feel very fortunate to have made many close friends on island through out the years. We are aware of the crime problems associated with this caribbean islands just like others we have visited. We have taken these issue into consideration when arranging our accommodations. Over the years we have had items such as hats, t-shirts and shorts stolen. These items were in the vehicle and taken during our time in the water diving. No big deal chalk it up as “Don’t leave in truck what you don’t want taken” This last experience in April was very MUCH different.

Randall was on the island a week before my arrival and he went by the house we were going to rent for week two of our trip and spoke with those renters (Richard & Gloria). They had been renting this house for 3 months and had some personal items taken as well during their stay. They informed us the security system did not work. Richard made mention to Sunbelt Realty and no actions were taken. After items were taken from them they decided to put a safe in this house and all labor and cost was done on there behalf with no assistance from Sunbelt. They were so helpful with information and even went as far as showing Randall and Larry how the safe was bolted to the wall and installed and also the proper way to arm and disarm the safe. They also purchased an additional front gate lock due to the fact the one already there was strictly for show and was not functional.

Before our arrival on the island the two important issues mentioned to SR were security and internet service. On the day to meet SR for a briefing on the house its confirmed neither one works. We conveyed to SB’s staff member that this is important due to the fact that there has been so many break in on the island and is a big concern of ours. The staff members response was their is crime everywhere not just Bonaire and took our concerns lightly. The staff member could not understand why we wanted the security system to work and did not take our concerns seriously. In the next couple of days the staff did arrange and scheduled visits with the internet and security system companies to try and correct both. Keep in mind we are already there on the island. This should have been taken care prior to our arrival especially with SR being aware of the problem through the previous renters. The results were: inconsistent internet service and we were told the security system worked, however it did not. SR had months to try and correct the security system before our arrival but, nothing was done.

On Sunday April 11 during our walk through of the house with SR we were provided 2 sets of keys since we had 6 people in the house. However, on Monday April 12 when a staff member returned for scheduling appointments with internet service and security service we were forced to surrender the second set of keys to that staff member for entry in and out of the house for her appointments with security and internet people. On Thursday, April 15, SR sent an e-mail informing us the extra set of key was under a coral rock outside the front door.

Yes, we were robbed/broken into at the house we rented through Sunbelt Realty on Saturday, April 17 our final night on island,coincident? I think not. We would have to agree with previous renters this was our worst renting experience ever as well. Every piece of personal belongings (computers, cameras, watches, clothes, shoes, money, credit cards, memory cards, phones, even passports, etc.) that we the renters were stolen however the TV and CD player and all other things that belong to the house were not taken. We feel someone had entry access to this rental property. We saw no signs of forced entry into the house. The back bedroom has double-doors that opens to the back patio. These doors are not used, it has a bar that slides across the doors on the inside for extra support, again these doors are not used. Upon our inspection of the house these doors were kicked out from the inside of the house. The direction of the damaged DEAD BOLT confirms this. The bar that was supporting these doors was in the other bedroom and was used to force and break open the safe.

We too were told by SR that there is no insurance coverage for “Renters” only for the homeowners property. This experience is very hard to accept and while I realize our personal property is gone it is upsetting that we were not provided the support and professional business support from Sunbelt Realty. If the security system had been working it would have at least provided a deterrent to the thieves, and brought some attention to the home during the burglary. However, the alarm system did not work and this is the end result. We are disappointed with the services provided by Sunbelt Realty and their lack of concern. As many of you know, as do we this is a very common thing on island and for them to act as it is something new is simply ludicrous. Our needs were not impossible to fill in requesting a security system that worked. We were told by Sunbelt Realty that you get what you pay for: “Speaking of what you might have expected in relation to what you got; you have been renting an ocean front home for the amount of US$ 2350.0. If you look around to rent an oceanfront home on Bonaire, which you probably did when you wanted to book your vacation you could have seen the rates. This is our most simple oceanfront home and its priced like that. All the points you mentioned in your email would not have been an issue if you would have rented a home double the rental price”. I thinks this says it all on their business stand and concerns to you as a renter. If we had paid more for our rental house we would not have been burglarized. Sunbelt Realty’s shows lack of concern and is wrong.

When leaving the airport on our attempts to travel home, this was a difficult situation. We had no passports and the police informed us it will not be an issue at the airport and informed us to just show them our police report. This is not true. The Airlines spent 30 minutes confirming our identity through some phone calls and we understand this process and were happy to cooperate. Immigration provided Tonia a one page photo copy of her passport for photo identification since her driver’s license was stolen. This confirming process took some time as well and we were happy to cooperate. Each process from Immigration to the Airlines to TSA to the government had their own set of rules and process. When you mention your passports have been stolen you would think they would all work together to help you leave the country, but this did not occur. Each department was difficult and were not willing to work with the other on our status. They actually argued with each other. Randall and I paid our departure tax’s earlier that day however, I placed the tickets with our passport (stolen). This was the most difficult encounter at the airport. They were insisting we pay again and we refused and became upset. If they had taken the time to look on the computer to see we paid this fee already it would have not have been an issue. But there is no process in order. They were all yelling at each other and after we repeated our situation and we made a stand for ourselves they decided to allow us through. We had no money no credit cards and their system was chaotic. We made it through immigration and the airlines and now they are insisting on their departure tax fee again. I wonder where this fee is going, it does not appear to be going to the Bonaire Police Department for fighting crime. I hope our story can help others and maybe impact a change to the island. Sunbelt has a large interest in this island and they can make a difference if they put forth an effort. Based on the following thread links should be of no surprise to any one it is an on going issue and am just sorry was not able to catch them in the act.........
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/425386.html?
1268744751http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/423987.html?
1269643606http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/327970.html

Is this the same house as this incident in March? (http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/425386.html?1268436426)

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am very saddened that you had to go through this.

DFW, I am terribly sorry about what happened. Reading your report made my stomach turn. I know we hear about this more often now than ever but this time it hits me harder as I feel like we know you!!!!

I am sorry about the loss, the violation and the hassles that come along with this. I truly hope the perps are caught and maybe your things are recovered?! They may be on their way to Venezuela by now

Thanks for sharing as I know it was hard. Hopefully something good will come from this post.

Sad story . Thanks for sharing , definitely a wake up call .

OMG!!! This turns my stomach as well.....it f*****g S***s....and I am so sad you had to go through this!!!

L

I'm so sorry to read this Randall.

I am going to mention this to my sister, her house was broken into the day after, wireless was installed... coincidence...????? This is nonsense.... and as a person who has stayed and having been reliant on SB, I am NOT a fan...

I, too, am so sorry for this crime against you and your fellow travelers. We were also robbed during our stay in March (while we were in our unit sleeping) and know firsthand the terror of finding such violation.

We got nothing back, no satisfaction from the police, and only the hard learned lesson to be on high alert every moment. I am glad that no one in your party was physically hurt, but fully realize that the emotional scars will last a long time.

We are tentatively scheduled to return next year for a lengthy stay, but have decided to watch this Board and other sources for information as to the crime situation. If things continue down the slippery slope, we may have to rethink returning to our beloved Island.

Yes, some crime does happen here at home, but where we live the officials work diligently at crime prevention, and even harder to solve the crimes that do happen.

Again, my condolences for the losses and the aggravation you suffered.

I am also so sorry this happened to you. As an experienced Bonaire Talker, I'm sure you read all the reports and knew how to protect yourselves. We have had 10 trips to the island, always staying in the same small Inn. We've always felt safe leaving personal items in our room while gone, but our group has pretty much always taken up all 10 rooms so someone was mostly there at all times. With so much news on the increase of crime, we opted out of our this years trip with our group, and are just going to wait another year and see how things go.

Our group, over the years has experienced minor thefts, gas, truck thefts, clothes and sun glasses etc, but no room invasions. WE HAVE BEEN EXTRODIALY FORTUNATE.

Peace and blessings to all who still visit Bonaire!

I am leaning towards Fiji for my next dive vacation . Partly because of this ongoing crime , partly the cost of flying to Bonaire has caught up with going to the south pacific .

Aw, that sucks. I'd been enjoying you pics from the holiday so much....what a shame have it end that way. Thanks for the very thorough report. All my best...

Get a lockbox at a bank for your pass port, cash, return tickets.

I also bring a chefs knife with me. It's so sharp they would bleed out before the knew they where cut.

The crooks must have fallen on the knife?

My first night on Bonaire some 20 plus years ago, the house next to us got hit. Not a new problem. Just better advertised.

After reading about your horrible experience and the lack of assistance and help from Sunbelt Realty, I think that BT'ers should band together and boycott Sunbelt. There are many voices out there on BT. Letters should be written to Sunbelt letting them know that their services will not be utilized by any BT member. I firmly believe that if people band together and hit businesses in their wallets, things might change. Just my opinion.

I am a little confused. What do the pics relate to. Obviously not the original burglary as there was no forced entry, but the pics show a forced door. Also there is a camera on the bed. I thought the cameras were stolen. Please forgive me if I have misread the situation.

As an impartial observer it would appear that Sunbelt Realty appear have a few questions to answer.

Not sure about the camera in the pic but DFW stated the doors were kicked from the inside of the house; the burglars method of exit?

"Upon our inspection of the house these doors were kicked out from the inside of the house. The direction of the damaged DEAD BOLT confirms this. The bar that was supporting these doors was in the other bedroom and was used to force and break open the safe."

Randall & Tonia..So sorry to hear about this and read about your ordeal. Was enjoying reading your trip reports. It seemed like the both of you were having so much fun.
I was never a fan of that house down there. And also don't like that half built monstrosity next store. The whole thing should be knocked down. Very disconcerting indeed. And to add insult to injury, can't believe the airport personnel made a stink about the departure tax at the airport.

Thank you for your support as to our situation. As far as the photos taken, thank goodness we had our HD-VideoCamera with us this evening at dinner, and It takes still pictures as well.

Randall & Tonia, I am so sorry to hear this!

Very sorry to hear about the break-in and all the hassle you had to go through at the airport. I have a little house in Belnem and was there for six week during the last part of March and most of April. During my first week I was also robbed and had a considerable amount of cash taken as well as my blackberry and the keys to the house. (I had not locked the house (duh me) and the keys were sitting on the counter). The laptops were locked in a small cabinet along with our passports. I truly believe that if the thieves had not found the cash they would have continued their search for the laptops because I had internet installed the day before the robbery occurred. And yes, I think there was a connection. After the incident I was made aware that many robberies have been happening throughout the neighborhood, some of which took place while people were in other areas of the house.
After reporting the incident to the police (who are short staffed and restricted by the laws of Bonaire) I had my locks changed and then made arrangements to have bars installed on all my windows and doors. The bars don't look "half bad" and they allow me to sleep with my windows and doors opened. I went with bars over a security system because these hoodlums know that even after the system starts they have time before anyone would arrive at the house.
I love this little island and I am sorry that you faced such a terrible ordeal. The police are trying to do a good job and hopefully in the future they will be better staffed and face less restrictions.

Wasn't there recently a thread regarding Sunbelt talking about how bad they were and the horrible service they {didn't} provide.

Looking at that door and the fact that certain items that belong to Sunbelt were left alone, I'd say this was definitely an inside job.

I can definitely tell you where I WON'T be staying for my next trip.

So sorry you had to deal with this.

e.

Yep, here it is.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/425386.html?1272231597

e.

[Looking at that door and the fact that certain items that belong to Sunbelt were left alone,]

Out of curiosity Eric, why would you possibly think that items in the rental house belonged to Sunbelt? Wouldn't it be logical to assume that they would belong to the owner of the house?

That was what DFW said in his report.

He said, " Every piece of personal belongings (computers, cameras, watches, clothes, shoes, money, credit cards, memory cards, phones, even passports, etc.) that we the renters were stolen however the TV and CD player and all other things that belong to the house were not taken."

Please take a less aggressive stance toward what people have to say until you've investigated why they might have said it. Thank you.

e.

I agree with Vince. The items IN the house would be the property of the HOME OWNER not Sunbelt Realty. Sunbelt is a rental facility and the owners have contracted with them to handle rental affairs on their behalf.

This whole thing has my panties in a bunch! Things have to change!

I'm so sorry that your trip ended this way. What a horrible sense of violation, and then to have Sunbelt's action added to that....beyond words.

I've never worked with Sunbelt (and probably won't based on the consistently negative reports noted on BT), but I think that if they were truly concerned about maintaining a positive reputation among their potential clients (e.g. renters of their various properties), they would take a much more proactive and helpful stance in the face of known issues such as the crime that seems to strike their properties with such regularity.

It is inexcusable for them to, basically, condone this ongoing problem. (Vince...not sure why the location of the rental should make a difference, though. Sunbelt has the same responsibility to ALL its renters, regardless of where the property is located. If they can't ensure proper safety measures are implemented at a certain location, then perhaps the house should be removed from the rental pool? Or rented at a steep discount due to "known risk"?)

Ok, not "Sunbelt's Property" but items that belong to the specific property. Poorly worded I guess. But still the same intent. Items that were related to the property in question were not touched. Couple that with the door being kicked the wrong way and other historical issues with SR and I think there's a pattern here.

e.

Randall & Tonia, I am so very sorry to read this.

randall and tonia so sorry. makes my blood boil
es

Well I'm going to try & put this into perspective. And I am NOT referring to the terrible burglary experienced by the O.P. Several issues to specifically address:

1. [Please take a less aggressive stance toward what people have to say until you've investigated why they might have said it].

e: I fail to understand how my asking a simple question of you can be construed as an "aggressive stance". You made a statement that the articles which were not stolen belonged to Sunbelt. Unless you know for a fact that Sunbelt owns this property, that is false, misleading and slanted.

2. Hello Liz..Between you & me I do not for a minute think that Sunbelt's staff "condones this activity". In fact, I don't think there is even one person on the entire island involved with tourism that would condones this activity. It is a problem that many people are working on.

So you know the impetus for my response on this, I've worked with Sunbelt for years & have CONSISTENTLY received the highest praises from all our guests at VINIBU about them. My personal experiences with them spans close to 5 years. Notwithstanding the terrible thing which was experienced by the OP, I hate to see a thriving well respected business on the island which employs many people vilified on a public board.

You indicated "Sunbelt has the same responsibility to ALL its renters,".. And I agree with you on this. However we should then examine what their responsibilities are.

The OP indicated that "In the next couple of days the staff did arrange and scheduled visits with the internet and security system companies to try and correct both. ". So the question needs to be answered who's responsibility is this? Isn't Telbo or Flamingo responsible for the internet? Why weren't they vilified?

Isn't the owner of the house responsible that the security system is functional? You mention "rented at a steep discount" and I do believe it is. At a quoted price of $1750 for a house on the water it is priced at below market rates.

I agree with you that if this rental has had numerous burglaries that they would be wise to remove it from their property roster. However conversely I do know for a fact that there are many properties on Bonaire which have been burglarized over the years and they are still actively renting.

It is also prudent that folks do their due diligence before renting any property. And this advice is applicable to any rental, anywhere in the world.

Susan R welcome to bonaire talk. We are also sorry to hear of your misfortunes and hope the bars do there job.
Debbie B,Kobi,Vince,CB,Linda and LaDonna-
Thank all of you for your genuine concern. Just goes to show we should have been staying in one of your beautiful rental properties
Lloyd, Tonia and I were in Fiji last Oct. and had a wonderful time. The best part of the whole trip had to be the native Fijian villagers. There disposition and true warm heartiness were second to none just as most people on Bonaire......
We have not heard anything thing from the police as of yet. Will keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best....

Vince, I'll have to respectfully disagree with you re: Sunbelt if what the OP quoted is true:

We were told by Sunbelt Realty that you get what you pay for: “Speaking of what you might have expected in relation to what you got; you have been renting an ocean front home for the amount of US$ 2350.0. If you look around to rent an oceanfront home on Bonaire, which you probably did when you wanted to book your vacation you could have seen the rates. This is our most simple oceanfront home and its priced like that. All the points you mentioned in your email would not have been an issue if you would have rented a home double the rental price”.

My point is that if Sunbelt is going to offer this rental property in its pool yet not disclose that it is theft-prone or in some other way more susceptible to break-ins (hence the discounted rate...which arguably isn't really discounted since you can rent much nicer oceanfront homes up by Andrea I & II for similar prices to $2300 USD), then Sunbelt has failed in its duty as a responsible and customer-focused business entity. Failure to disclose a known defect (repeated break-ins seem to fall into this category), is a material breach of any contract. Who wants to do business with a company that engages in that sort of practice?

Vince, you obviously have had a wonderful experience with Sunbelt and wish to continue utilizing them as your agent of choice. That is your choice, and I'm glad it has worked out for you. However, lately it seems like we've heard of others having recurrent negative experiences with Sunbelt. As a consumer who can pick and choose who I do business with when renting property on Bonaire, I can make a different choice. I'm not villifying anyone, just making an observation based on the data that has been posted.

FWIW...I'm not surprised you've had nothing but positive experiences, since you have such a fabulous rental property on the third-floor of a, presumably, secure building. It is never hard for a business to do a good job (for both property owners and renters) when not faced with any challenges.

Lizard0924
I could not have said it better myself. First let me point out that we have rented and stayed in many places on island. Including- Belmar, Caribbean Club, Den Laman,Golden Reef Inn,Plaza Resort and also rented from sunbelt previously. We have stayed in Sabadeco,Hato and Belnem. So you can rest assured I did my "due diligence" in researching this property as well. We choose this particular place more for the isolation rather than the monetary value. Liked the fact that we could enjoy bonfires on the beach and play our music as loud as we choose too. With out worrying about bothering other people or offending others in a condo/resort setting.
We were very apprehensive about the house. Not because of the location but because of all the increase burglaries on island. This is why we took it upon our self to speak with the previous renters and also be adamant about a working alarm system. Do not feel for a minute it was a coincidence we were taken advantage of last night on island.

Liz..Well maybe someday we'll meet on the island & continue this discussion over a couple of cold ones while waiting for the sun to set! I'm sure we'd find much more we are in agreement of on this incident than disagreement.

**Tonia** So glad you didn't take my posting above "the wrong way". I'm quite sure all on this board empathize with you for your very unfortunate ordeal which was a horrible ending on what appeared to be a very enjoyable trip.

Just to add quickly to this.... If I had had the forethought to inform my new neighbors, I might have helped them prevent a home invasion.... we are the visitors and lovers of Bonaire must help each other by letting folks know that there is a problem.... when a problem is finally acknowledged it can be dealt with.... I highly support the Belnam Blog.....

Bill, would you be so kind and email me the address of the blog?

Thank's

jerry@bonaire.me

Yes, Vince, we keep trying to get to Bon in February rather than January. Should we ever accomplish that feat, we will definitely share a cold one with you!

www.belnem-watchdogs.com

For others interested. Listen you will have to ask for a password, be patient, these folks are new to the Blog world so be nice...LOL

(Message edited by modfreddie on April 26, 2010)

bill that seems to be an open portal do you really want that on here?? or am I just logged in??

Please suggest to ken that he put a log off button in the blog if he can..........

(Message edited by scubahb on April 26, 2010)

go to this thread to get the address if that one doesn't work

This sort of information is very useful when trying to get a rental for your vacation. Vince we met you and your wife at the no name dive. (The Rock). What this information did for us was make us call our Travel Insurance company and ask specfic questions. The volcano also helped us ask specific questions.

In a nut shell as long as I can purchase new equipment on the Island I can get ripped off and the flight delayed for a month and still be Happy. (As long as I don't get ripped off the second time)

You mentioned talking to the owner. While on the island the property manager is the only contact we have. The owner is in the states. We sent our deposit to the property manager and will send payment to the property manager.

Rest assured, if I have a problem I will be looking at the property manager for answers and not the owner.

We have double checked and was told alarm systems are in and the housing development is gated. And there is a safe to lock our toys in.

What is the law when it comes to using force to protect yourself and your property? I know here I can shoot them on my property as long as they don't fall in the street.

[You mentioned talking to the owner.]
Hi Ron..Yes I do remember you . And hope all is well with you and yours!
However let me correct,I never posted talking to the owner.
I did post;"Isn't the owner of the house responsible that the security system is functional".
Your comment [if I have a problem I will be looking at the property manager for answers and not the owner].. Absolutely, As you correctly should. But bear in mind, the property manager can only do so much.

Regarding your inquiry about the use of force, I can tell you unequivocally it's not like in the U.S. The laws on Bonaire (in my opinion) favor the perps and NOT the victims. Between you & me, I do not agree with them (as a licensed gun owner here), but it's there country and WE are the visitors. Come to think of it however, I don't agree with a lot of the laws in the U.S...so.....
It is what it is...

I am not saying I agree or disagree with their laws. I simply do not know what they are other than you can not bring a gun. As far as laws here I concur but not much can be done about that either.

My two cents.....

I notice that Bonaire Talk now has a general info thread. Would it be permissible for 'victims' of crime in rented accommodation or hotels to post the name of the place and the date of the offence.

If there was an accessible database that listed these vulnerable properties over say, the last two years, it would be easy for would be vacationers to decide on whether or not they wanted to use that establishment.

Apart from giving the vacationer that choice, I am sure that the owner of said properties or hotels would soon improve security if they saw revenue drop and that their business was on a 'blacklist'.

While I agree that we are all responsible to some extent for our own security, it is both dishonest and perfidious of owners or agents to choose not to make customers aware of ongoing problems or to invest in better security.

If (God forbid) a vacationer was subjected to a violent attack in one of these notorious properties and were unaware of its past history, would the owner/real estate agent not be vicariously liable for not volunteering that information?

Wow. Sorry this happened to you during your stay.

We have owned a home on Bonaire for many years now and I've also been a faithful reader of BT for years too.

Seems to me there is a "pattern" on the island with the crime issues recently (past year). Seems that "service providers" may the culprits. Internet, cable, construction, cleaning. I love the people of Bonaire and I'm not point fingers at these lovely people. There are folks that are coming in from other islands that are not so friendly (in my opinion) that are causing havoc for residents and tourists.

When we stay on the island, as a rule of thumb, we try not to have alot of "service" type companies in our home during our stay. We try to keep track of what needs to be done for our next stay and have it done before we arrive. We always clean our own house during our stay so we don't have cleaning crews in and out with doors open, etc. Definately not the daily cleaning we are used to in the states for vacation, but much better for peace of mind since we have so many "toys" when we visit. If we have a maintenance issue while on the island, we will address it but we have to be home when they are there. We will not leave keys out - even with our resort management company.

Also, we always lock every door, every window at all times - even if I step out to go to the garbage area, resort office or even the pool which is right out our back door. We use double locking devices on all doors. Recently upgraded our back door with "theft proof" doors. Seems to be working well in our resort.

And I will say that the managing company of a resort or individual home can make or break it. We've never dealt with Sunbelt, but our managing partner for our resort has done a great job.

Patti

Vince, of course your opposing the problem, that is there was a burglary that looks fishy at best and when the renters turn for help or ask a question, whether it be the responsibility of the realty agency or the owner to fix, they get a response along the lines of oh well. First it is sunbelts job to advocate for you as the renter if there is a problem with the house not slough it off. Its not the renters job to chase after the owner of a house. Second Id be curious who the owner of the house is because I had a similar experience with sunbelt as you have read and it turns out that the owners of the house and sunbelt are all related in some way.

DFW I find it funny that you mention right after the internet was fixed you were broken into because literally that was almost the same situation I had. We had several of the "owners workers" through the house just prior to our break in. As well not one item of the owners was stolen/broken. In my case the perps even unhooked my PS3 from behind the plasma tv, yet left the owners dvd player and small sony stereo behind (both smaller than my PS3)! Something fishy? I think so! When we rented the house and inquired about a security system or a safe the owners response was "no one would break into one of my houses!" hahaha what a joke.

Sorry to hear. I did have a couple items recovered by the police. Speak to a jimmy at the station if you can, they have TONNS of stuff there.

Cheers!

Antony, great suggestion. The owner/agents of these properties can always report their actions in response to the crime, informing us of any improvements to the property . On a slow day at work in March, I dissected the BT threads over the last 4 months and identified 13 individual properties broken into, all mentioned by name. It would be so much easier to have this organized in one thread. At least people in the property hit 3x within a few months would have not had the surprise effect and rude awakening.

[Vince, of course your opposing the problem,]

Rick: What the hell does that mean? Outside of my postings and what's posted on my website you know nothing about me. Wise up, because from my point of view you are TOTALLY clueless.
I don't take your ad hominum attacks kindly!

It's almost funny how we get to the 50's and things start going down hill.

Let us cool off and settle down a bit. Please be nice.

Thanks,

Chris, if you can, send me the links.

jerry@bonaire.me

I think it's spelled ad hominem

[I think it's spelled ad hominem]
Indubitably you are correct.

jerry,

What's wrong with the 50's?
You'll be that old someday, too, ya know.......

Vince (you just proved my point) your so defensive so quick, and not only on attacks on you. You did so here and on my personal post following a robbery and a poorly handled situation by sunbelt, and I've followed you on scuba boards of the same topics. Seems like you only see fault in the victims of robbery and not the other way around. Thats all I simply said!

Dave it's the number of posts....but I know it was a joke. I wish I was 50 again

Rick, Vince, please be nice.
If you two want to dance, please do it on SB, but not here.

dfwtraveler:

I am curious...how was the police response to this crime?

Went from robbery to a spelling lesson to a cat fight. I love all the diversity the island has to offer.

Just a note to all.... this is a lot bigger than any of us. If we fall away from the purpose, we will all lose.... stay in the game.

Well put Bill, thanks.

I’m so sorry for you both. I’m sure if you love Bonaire as much as I do it’s like having your best friend betray you. As terrible as this is for the victims, this is a horrific problem for Bonaire. If it is allowed to continue it will escalate and ultimately lead to some form of violence. We come to Bonaire to enjoy ourselves. Personally, as much as my heart will always be in Bonaire, I'm giving serious consideration to protesting with my wallet on my next vacation. I'm tired of worrying about my stuff being stolen out of my car or my rental unit being broken into, or my gas getting siphoned or whatever else may be in store for me next. Please put the word out to the authorities that this is quietly and anonymously "killing the goose that lays the golden egg". The islanders have been given a gift. They should be policing each other instead of preying on the golden goose-

P Amen

The lesson was in humility not spelling.

So, I have a question. Are these breakins happening at rentals, owned house/condo rentals, with off island owners and property managed, or are they happening at the "resorts" as well. We have been traveling to Bon since "98, and have never had an issue (gonna go knock heavy on wood), even with shore diving. We've always stayed at a resort. We haven't experienced any of the ever growing theft issues plaguing Bon.....I'm not doubting them, just trying to understand the targets of choice.

Please don't respond with named properties, as that's not my intent. I think that this is a problem for solving, NOT blaming.

I'm sooo sorry for the victims of crime

P ... well said . No doubt just a small portion of Bonaire visitors actually read these threads . There will always be unsuspecting targets for the perpetrators to exploit .
However , these threads and discussions certainly give one a more realistic view of what is happening instead of the odd Dive Shop hearsay .
I think the actual crime on Bonaire is out of control as we are only seeing a small percentage of actual crimes . A real eye opener for sure.

DFW - I am horrified by your experience. Unfortunately, I think it may keep me from going back to Bonaire at this point. Don't get me wrong, I love this little Island and all it offers, but when the victim gets the blame and nothing is really done by the police, I'm not sure my hard earned "disposable income" needs to be spent there anymore.

I don't care what anyone says... I totally think it is an inside job and that the "service" companies are doing a bit more than what they were hired to do. It's frankly disgusting and wholly disheartening.

I'm so sorry you had to go through this!

Brenda, private homes, condos and resorts. Some have security measures in place now. When you book, ask specifically what they are doing for your personal safety. If they don't disclose anything, I wouldn't stay there. Safes alone are not important, sounds like a lot of them get removed from the units easily.

I've been in Bonaire for 9 months now. In that short time and in my close nit group of friends here we have had 3 houses broken into including my own, 5 batteries stolen out of vehicles, 3 vehicles that had the gas hoses cut and siphoned, and last saturday while on a shore dive on the south had my glove box pried open and had my wallet, phone, and sunglasses stolen (yes not a good idea to keep my wallet there, but still!). They couldn't even just take the cash (which is the only thing they want) and leave the wallet they had to take it all and then I'm sure throw it out and cause the greatest amount of difficulty in now replacing those items when Im from Canada and living here.

I did recover a few items from the break in through the police service. The police themselves are overwhelmed and don't know how to deal with the situation. The problem they tell me is that its kids most of the time committing the crimes. The chief mentioned that when they raid a house everything is stacked in rooms, its not like they are even selling a lot of it to survive, its like they do it for fun. And since its kids they don't realize that they are killing the one industry that the island has, tourist divers. In fact they were surprised that a few trucks that day had been broken into because one of the main thief's on the island (whose 17) was in jail at the moment.

Its a sad situation for sure. It may be safer when it comes to violent crime, but this petty theft is still taking its toll!

I talked with one of the people I've know on island for 38 yrs. He is a dive guide and boat captain for one of the major hotels... will not tell his name, I don't have permission. His house was broken into with a big pry bar, they brought bolt cutters to deal with major wires..... they cut his system connected to batteries that where 50 kilos.. couldn't lift them easily so left them... took copper pipes... this group is selling copper to someone on island or selling off island.... someone has got to be aware of this BUSINESS... you can't do this on a small island and not have someone be aware.... People need to step up and protect their island.... and we need to support that kind of bravery.....

For those of you who live full-time or long stretches on the island, do you have a sense for the impact (good or bad) that the transition to the Dutch government coming in October might have on the crime/breakin situation?

On the surface (no pun intended), one would expect that there would be better trained/more police and that the new government would be more aggressive on crime, but maybe I am wrong?

Would like to hear your opinions, as we have already booked our stay for September.

Thanks to all -- KOB.

dfwtravler, I just noticed you are mentioning an old thread about the 2007 burglaries at a resort in Hato... I have stayed there in 2008 and 2009 and can say that the resort is definitely on top of their security now. In fact, it was not included in the last crime wave over the last 6 months.( I am not an island property owner) I sincerely hope the other property owners hit lately will follow in the .....footsteps and change their security measures.

"In fact, it was not included in the last crime wave over the last 6 months.(I am not an island property owner)"

Chris:

How do you know this? One of the hot topics recently has been whether the names of places hit by burglars should be publicized or not, and so far that type of information seems to be top secret.

I gather property owners and people on the island have a sense of how frequently these burglaries are happening and where they are occurring most often, etc., but that information is withheld from tourists at all costs, as far as I know.

Note: I am not challenging the truthfulness or the accuracy of your information...I don't mean for this to sound that way. I would just like to figure out where I can get the information so that I could make an informed decision in the future.

JD, there is nothing top secret. You can find the names on this board in different threads: Trip Reports,Everything Else, Local Items. When I booked this years trip I asked the properties I was interested in directly about break ins. Got honest answers, what happened/ or not, what was done to keep this from happening again. All vacation rental places have e-mail links, just ask them directly. Nobody on the island is trying to hide the current concerns we have as visitors. The medical student population is feeling victimized right now (I got back Sunday).

Okay, thanks. I would typically look here or scubaboard and in those two places, names are usually not mentioned, specifically to avoid causing them any loss of business, but perhaps one can directly ask potential properties. Maybe there are other threads I haven't seen that discuss this as well.

I will see what I can find.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/423541.html?1265853739

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/423987.html?1269643606

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/424306.html?1266935380

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/423987.html?1269643606

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/414335.html?1264429027

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/412545.html?1262083282

I confirmed the CIEE lap top theft, while students were in the building, thieves were actually confronted. People were trying to discredit the poster (if you post crime on this board as your first post you are in trouble...), the poster is credible. So read past those questioning the posters credibility....

These links contain plenty of names, were all publicly posted recently and I am sure more names could be found on other BT threads. I am not on SB, but hear there is a lot of information, too. With names. I recommend direct talking to the place you want to stay. It is in the best interest of all Vacation Rentals to answer your questions honestly.

When I go on BT I want to learn about all aspects of an issue. Crime is not a popular issue, but it is not helping when we discredit posters, attack each other and try to sweep this issue under the rug. I love my vacations on Bonaire (just got back Sunday)and will always do research before going on my next trip. I am glad I found this Community Board accidently while surfing the Internet. Thanks Moderators for keeping everybody in check!

I am very new Bt and I only hooked up because Bill LaBarge (my brother) told me I should, due to all the recent robberies that have taken place. in Belnem and because I was also robbed during my last stay in my own house (due to my own negligence of not licking my door), even after I had been warned that burglaries had been taken place on a regular basis. Over the last fifteen years owning my house I have to say that this was the first robbery in my home. However due to the rash of break-ins, I did have installed inside bars on my windows and doors due to the fact that most people (both residents and visitors) in my neighborhood have experienced break-ins.
This problem of robberies is not specific to one resort renting or specific houses, it is happening allover the island. It is something that the police are aware of and I'd like to think that we (as island lovers) can help alleviate we diligence in reporting and helping the police find these little "shits" who have beliefs that there are bigger rewards ahead of them. Let's keep a closer eye and insist that the 16 and 17 years olds that are working for a "bigger organization" be brought home immediately to face the consequences that their Bonaireian parents would address.

It is becoming more of diver imprisoned than diver freedom
Nothing wrong with using common sense concerning security , but people are becoming prisoners in their own homes , I may or may not return to Bonaire for another dive trip .
I am definitely planning a trip to Fiji this year , stay at a small resort and hope for the best .
I totally accepted the truck rules on Bonaire but the fortress syndrome is not my idea of a relaxed pleasant time . I do not like being a proverbial sitting duck .
I sure hope the new government does something , they should as it is obvious organized crime is very dominant right now .

This appears to be getting a bit out of hand. Yes there is crime on Bonaire, but tell me a place where there isn't. I have just returned to Spain after six and half weeks in Bonaire and had a wonderful time. I did not have the property broken into nor anything stolen from my truck. I did not live in a fortress but I took sensible precautions.
My property had bars on the doors and windows, but I have that in Spain anyway, and I had a simple alarm system. My friends here in Spain have just had their property broken into whilst they were in bed but I am not going to move back to England because of it.
In my opinion Bonaire is still one of the safest places I have visited. Please don't panic, but at the end of the day, follow your nose and go your own way.
Now if you were visiting Jamaica, where I lived for five and half years, it would be a different story.

Since when is being legitimately concerned about the unabated crime (in particular, home invasions) the equivalent of panic? It is hardly panic to elect to vacation in Fiji (or anywhere else for that matter) rather than return to the roulette wheel of theft vs. safety that Bonaire seems to have become. (I say this having made four trips without even having so much as a pair of shorts taken from the truck while diving. Lucky me, I guess.)

And the contrast of Bonaire to other Caribbean islands seems a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Folks come to Bonaire for the freedom to safely come and go as they please and shore dive all along the coast. That is the opposite of what you expect to do on most other island vacations.

To wit, on my last trips to Jamaica and St. Lucia, I was whisked directly from the airport to a super-fortified resort (replete with fencing, gates, scads of security personnel, etc.). I was then encouraged to stay on the resort property for the duration of my vacation. Of course, I could venture beyond the resort, but only under the care and supervision of resort staff or third-party vendors. Ironically, I never had to worry that my iPhone or laptop was going to be stolen from my room there.

This is hardly the experience that Bonaire is selling to visitors. And I wonder how, exactly, Bonaire will ever compete should the crime problem drive the big resorts to employ similar measures to what is found in Jamaica, St. Lucia, etc.? It's not like people visit Bonaire for the lush tropical beaches and swim-up pool bars. And I'll go out on a limb by saying I doubt divers want to be chaperoned each time they leave a fortified resort.

As much as I love Bonaire, the uncontrolled and escalating crime (to visitors and residents alike) is becoming as much a known problem outside the island as is untreated sewage leaching onto the reef.

If the crime is left unchecked, will Bonaire turn into another Jamaica or St. Lucia? God, I hope not.

One more to add to the list.
A local friend was nice enough to loan us his gas BBQ for our three week stay.
We awoke this morning to find the grill still there but missing the propane tank and regulator.
It took five trips to various places to get the needed parts, at a total of $80 USD.
The loss of things cannot compare to the loss of our feeling of safety.
The theft occurred at the Beurang Residence, 62 J A Abraham Blvd.
This our fifth year staying at this place and the first time anything was stolen.

"Yes there is crime on Bonaire, but tell me a place where there isn't."

"I have just returned...after six and half weeks in Bonaire and had a wonderful time."

"In my opinion Bonaire is still one of the safest places I have visited."

These are the same sad lines that get used over and over again every time someone reports being gets victimized on the island and every time someone expresses concern about the crime rate on Bonaire. I am beginning to think the tourism bureau publishes a list of these phrases for resorts and property owners to use.

OF COURSE there is crime "everywhere" and naturally, not every tourist on Bonaire is victimized on every trip. Yes, Bonaire is "safe" in the sense that you are unlikely to get assaulted, robbed or beaten (so far), but that really doesn't address the problem or the legitimate concerns of potential visitors, such as myself.

Do you folks realize how traumatic it must be to come back to your room and find all of your valuable belongings, cash, passports, tickets, etc. gone? Or how it feels to wake up to someone in your room, or to find someone was in your room while you were asleep?

From what I have read, including the comments by some residents and property owners, I can only conclude that from the standpoint of property crime risk, as opposed to being robbed or beaten, Bonaire is one of the least safe islands in the Caribbean (despite whatever the tourism bureau wants us to think). I certainly don't hear of this stuff from Dominica, Saba, Cozumel, etc., etc. And Bonaire is a tiny island with a tiny population. How can anyone really feel good that Bonaire with about 12,000-14,000 people is "safer" than Jamaica with its 3 million residents?



I would love to learn I am wrong, so someone convince me.

One and a half week after the break in at the Esmeralda home and all the postings on Bonaire Talk, I would like to share with you Sunbelt Realty’s side of the situation and react on the first posting of Tonia.

We had rented the home for 3 months before party ‘Randall and Tonia’ came. With these renters we have been in contact during their stay and they have never mentioned to us they have had a break in, nor did they tell us they had placed a safe, only one the day before they left. They had installed this safe because they liked to have all doors and windows open for the breeze and felt better having their personal belongings in the safe while they were on the terrace or in the water.

I want to mention that the party ‘Randall and Tonia’ booked the home without knowing that there is an alarm system. A week before they arrived Tonia was in contact with one of our staff members and she asked only then if the home had an alarm system or a safe. She was told that there was an alarm system but that we did not know if it was working and we also told her there was no safe (because then we didn’t know yet that the renters had placed a safe). This all was fine and she asked our staff member if the alarm system could be explained to them when they would be on Island.

One of our staff members came to the home Friday afternoon 2 days before the 3-month renters would leave, to check the home and alarm. Because they had the home completely open we could not check the alarm and the current renters did not know if the alarm was working, they just had never used it. But they did offer to leave the safe for the next renters.
When the party ‘Randall and Tonia’ arrived on Sunday our staff was at the home to meet them.
Then it appeared that the alarm and internet was not working. Also in regards to the internet the previous renters never had mentioned to us that the internet was not working.

The next morning at 9.00 one of our staff members was at the house and called the telephone company to solve the outfall of the internet. The telephone company told my staff member to come to the office to pick up a new modem which she did and she went back to the home to install the modem after which the internet was working.
In the days after internet has been on and off, but not due to the internet connection at the home. It was an Island wide situation, not something Sunbelt can be made responsible for.




Next to this she arranged the security company to come.
The security company did not show up. Our staff arranged a new appointment for Tuesday. The security company cancelled this appointment, but finally they got it to work on Wednesday.

Our staff has been to the home every day after each call of the renters. We did follow up on every request and have taken each and every call serious.
It is nonsense that we did not understand why they wanted security or that we did not take them serious.

It’s a pity though that we had to wait easily half an hour on our appointments with the renters before they arrived themselves.
While waiting our staff found 3 laptops unattended and clearly visible on the porch. This home is located with next door a public area where everybody enters to dive and can enter this property easily via the seaside.
Who would do so, if you post on BT the information that that you are aware of the ‘crime situation associated with these Caribbean islands’, that ‘items have been stolen from you over the years’ and that you post that some personal items were stolen from the previous renters (not broken into, thus from the porch I assume?)
Seems that Bonaire is not so unsafe at all times; no-one had taken the laptops while they were away.

Now this party is mentioning the following;
-there has been broken into on the final night on the Island, coincident? You think not.
I don’t think so either.

- only your items have been stolen, non of the owner.
I think too that that is strange.

- you feel someone had access to the property, no signs of break in. Only the doors to the porch have been kicked in from the inside of the home.
I think this is very strange too, who in the world, that is able to access the home without having to force a door or window will leave the home with loads of stuff in his hands or in a bag by means of forcing a double door that is locked?

Isn’t it strange too that on Wednesday the security system is working -all batteries had been changed that usually will last for months- and that suddenly on Saturday night the alarm was not working? It worked on Wednesday and must have on Thursday, Friday and Saturday otherwise the renters would have called us right away, as it was so important to them.

Like someone else was mentioning on BT, on the photo that is on BT you see a camera. The answer of the renters is; luckily we took our video with us, which also can make pictures.
But that still leaves the camera on the bed…

When the renters had left early Sunday morning, our staff went to the home that same morning and found the door open with only a note on the table stating;
‘Call us right away’.
The renters could have called Sunbelt immediately after the break in, since we have a 24/7 emergency contact number which was known to them.

We did follow up on the note and called on Monday the whole day. No answer.
On Tuesday morning our staff got Tonia on the phone. She only started screaming and yelling right away saying; we blame you, and consequently the words; you are a liar. Our staff was shocked by this statement especially when one of our staff members asked her if she meant that they suspected her of the break in on which she answered ‘yes’. Then we stopped the conversation right away.
Later on our staff has called again hoping that they had calmed down a bit. We told them we were very sorry to hear that their belongings had been stolen, that we felt really bad about it and would do all possible to help them. Even though they had accused us of a break in into their home.

Within one or two days we got a long email with all complains of what was wrong with the house, the inventory our service and on and on.

I replied on this email via the computer of my staff member, stating again that we feel very sorry about what had happened. I did this personally because I do not want my staff members who have been following up on each and every request and are now being falsely accused, talk or email with them anymore.

On the renters remarks in regards to the quality of the home and inventory,
I replied in my email that they had rented a home in a certain price category and that you get what you pay for. This home you rent for its location and not for its amenities.
Randall arrived one week on the Island earlier as Tonia posted on BT.
He has met the renters that were there for 3 months and has seen the home.
The previous renters never complained on all the points this party is complaining.
If it was so bad, why didn’t Randall come to our office to tell us that this was not what they wanted? We could have found them easily in that week, another home with better beds, more bed linen, with nightstands etc etc.

Instead of reading my email reply the renters post on BT that I have said that if they would have paid more they would not have been burglarized.
That is a too simple twisting of my words but I guess very useful for the renters.

Also I would like to react on the posting of these renters that they did not get much help in leaving Bonaire without a passport.
Have you ever thought of how any one would leave the US without a passport, stolen or not?
Certainly not on the plane booked.

And then the remark on the insurance.
Who would be traveling without a travel insurance nowadays? Especially if you bring so many valuable stuff as you describe.
I whish there would exist insurance companies in the world that offer a content insurance that also insures the belongings of the vacation renters, of which the insurance company can never know what they bring with them. Let me know if you ever find one.

As you may have read, this was also our worst rental experience.
We have been falsely accused, not only being yelled at by telephone but also on the internet.
What I did not even mention up till now is that my staff also had gotten indecent proposals by these 6 renters in inviting them to their party in which clothing was ‘optional’. And I will not even go into why the internet connection was so important.
Please treat my staff with respect. Do what you have to do but don’t bother us with it.

And the story did not end with this. After these renters a lot of other persons of whom I have no idea who they are because they hide behind fake names, continue the accusations based on wild guesses and assumptions without knowing any facts.

Do you all believe every story someone is telling you and do you judge only based on that?
Haven’t we all learned that a story always has two sides?
Please think twice before giving your ‘so important’ opinion on what you think.

Sunbelt Realty is working already for over 17 years on Bonaire and we have a portfolio of over 400 properties for sale, for rent or to manage. Maybe it is not always to everybody’s liking, but that is because renters and owners have different ideas, and just part of daily business. We always try to solve every situation as good as possible.

We form a strong and reliable and high educated team that is working together for many years.
I would go through the fire for the honesty and sincerity of my staff.

Who dares to think for one moment that anybody of this staff would risk his or her job for a laptop or camera? What on earth are you thinking?
That everybody on Bonaire is stupid?
You have abused Bonaire and her people! To achieve what?

Finally; we have a well reputed name and you may ask anyone on Island who the people of Sunbelt Realty are and how we work and I am sure you will get the answer to all above.

Corine W. van der Hout

Ps. This will be the only posting you will see from me on this subject.

Hi Corine Thank you for that detailed explanation. I agree that there is always another side to a story. Your side is very interesting and, if I might say so without too many attacks, makes sense to me. As you will have seen from some of the posts above I have been taken to task about some of the statements I have made. I just try to be objective and state how I see things. Unfortunately some people analize every word and take you to task on it to suit their own agenda. This is not being critical about anybody, every body has their own opinion. I suppose my advise to anybody is that if you have any concerns about where you are going to spend your well earned income on a vacation go somewhere where you don't have those concerns.

Welcome to BT Corine and thanks for your post . You are between a rock and a hard place , I appreciate your side of the story .
Not once did I for one suspect your company of suspicious activity , however when you deal with so many different aspects of service people it is easy to get the odd rotten apple .
Even though a lot of crimes are committed by underage zealous kids , somewhere there is gang activity .
When laws change and people actually go to jail for brazen break ins , things should get a little better .
BT opening up their threads to crime is the first step to put pressure on the island , thanks to the powers to be to open this topic up .

Hi Corine, Welcome to Bonaire Talk

(Message edited by modfreddie on April 29, 2010)

Thanks Corine we feel better after you explained your side of the story. If we keep my stuff somewhat secure and we will have another enjoyable trip. The optional clothing would have been interesting depending..... only kidding.

Thanks Corine we feel better after you explained your side of the story. If we keep our stuff somewhat secure and we will have another enjoyable trip. The optional clothing would have been interesting depending..... only kidding.

Hi Corine,

Thank you for posting your side of the story.

As I have said on other threads, I have always had nothing but admiration for the way that Sunbelt conduct their business.
When we bought our home in 2004, Corine & Jan Henk went over and above any service that I would have expected from a realtor here in the UK.
Their business has expanded greatly since 2004. This has not happened because they give a bad service. On Bonaire they would not have survived, it is too small an island.

It is too easy for people to launch a vitriolic diatribe on a person or business on the Internet without (they think) repercussion. But as Sean Paton once stated on here: "Libel laws exist online as they do in the real world".

Maybe this is why the moderators used to insist on a Police report in the past.

Well said Antony...
Corine: I'm so glad you presented your side of the story. Way too often folks hear tales of woe from only one side and immediately draw their conclusions.

As I have also previously stated on this board, I have had many, many business dealings with the Sunbelt staff and have ALWAYS found them to be professional, and courteous. Likewise ALL our guests at VINIBU have. So I was distressed at reading some of the comments posted.

The innuendos which were posted by some "jumping on the crime bandwagon" were (as far as I'm concerned) bordering on libel. For those who don't know, Sunbelt is the top real estate business on the island. And for good reason! And knowing Corine personally, rest assured she has high ethics and an equally sharp business acumen.

Generally speaking I think the mods do a great job on BT..... BUT not with this thread. I believe more care should be required when I read the scandalous headlines about businesses on the island posted by some (and I'm not thinking of this thread as I type this). Obviously, just my personal opinion on the subject.

I suspect most of you know SB is being dragged into an expensive libel lawsuit over remarks made on that board from a business who felt they were unfairly libeled by remarks made there. The Freedom of speech defense really goes just so far and then it ends up in litigation for a court to decide and assess monetary damages.

Basically, my advice to all is to think twice before posting baseless allegations, it may come back to "bite you in the butt". And that's based upon 35 years of negligence work with carriers in the states.

Let's all remember what the goal of this discussion and the one on Local Items.... the goal is to spread information that we know is true and to encourage action that will stop what could be a major issue for Bonaire. We need folks to step up and if they know where items are being fenced to allow that information to be known.... as they say on TV.... follow the money.... as Anthony says this is a small island... someone knows where this stuff is going.... let's find the trail and shut it down...

I, too, am glad to hear both sides of the story. As I mentioned to someone on this thread who contacted me privately, there are always two sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere in between. None of us know what actually went down between these two parties, and will never know since we weren't there.

For all of you assuming that what Corine posted is the gospel, that is exactly the same reaction as those who believed what the OP said to be true.

One thing that's somewhat inexplicable though, is how the following statement is relevant in any way to the situation:

"And I will not even go into why the internet connection was so important."

To everyone who has now become a big fan of crying libel on this thread, remember it goes both ways.

I have been wondering about the 2 Smilies in the title line of this thread. Seems strange with the nasty complaint about a burglary et al.

It makes me wonder if this board has been had by a real-person troll with a very bad attitude in attacking SB and who understands the reactions of the people on BT. That would explain the Smilies, as an announcement of the jape.

A bit of a stretch but just wonderin'••••••••••• to the Mods, why do my plain periods come out as red balls?••••••••••• with the following formatting messed up and the first word after the balls missing??? Looks like a repeat of posts in another thread.

When I called the post back to change it, the periods have been changed to a call for the red 'dots'. Somebody messing with BT???


(Message edited by glenr on April 30, 2010)

Glen Glen Glen.••••••••• we are experiencing some problems with the "bad"word software.••••••• that is why the dots are coming out.••••••

(Message edited by scubahb on April 30, 2010)

Hopefully it is better now.................test, thank you Martin

TKS, Freddie. As I was composing another sample the effect disappeared.

Since the other occurrence was in a post by Skipper Tink I was beginning to wonder what she had wrought this time. Or perhaps what she wrote that time. :–))

Martin gave us red balls???? Martin!!!

I preferred it better this way then the other way around...

Nyuck, nyuck...hi Martin!

Corine: "One of our staff members came to the home Friday afternoon 2 days before the 3-month renters would leave, to check the home and alarm. Because they had the home completely open we could not check the alarm and the current renters did not know if the alarm was working"

Shouldn't your staff have made it a priority to make sure the security system was fully operational? You even say that the renters called a week before arrival to confirm this.

Your post seems to make some uncalled for personal attacks/accustaions. Are you trying to imply that the RENTERS may have "staged" the whole beak-in (with your noting of the doors being kicked out from the inside, and the presence of a camera)?

I know I will go out of my way to avoid any properties associated with Sunbelt - and will surely advise friends and family to do the same, unless I hear reports of your operation making some DRASTIC changes.

Scubachef..I'd be glad to give you reports on Sunbelt since I've been using them for the last several years. Just PM me.

Again, I will state that it sounds like Sunbelt Realty turned it's back and closed their eyes to this renter and the events that transpired. BOYCOTT Sunbelt Realty!!!!!!
I for one, will never use them after reading the posts on this site.

Yes, Vince's property Vinibu
looks very nice, and was one of
the top choices being considered
for my next trip; but knowing that
it may involve having to deal with
the Sunbelt folks makes it less likely
I'd spend my money there.

"I suspect most of you know SB is being dragged into an expensive libel lawsuit...The Freedom of speech defense really goes just so far and then it ends up in litigation for a court to decide and assess monetary damages.

Basically, my advice to all is to think twice before posting baseless allegations, it may come back to "bite you in the butt". And that's based upon 35 years of negligence work with carriers in the states."

Vince: I tend to agree with you that Sunbelt's statements and implications here that their renters were immoral and committing fraud were quite inflammatory; perhaps even warranting legal action against Sunbelt, but I doubt it will come to that. You made a good point though, and given your good relationship with Sunbelt, perhaps should contact them directly and warn them?

JD, I agree. This should be between the two party's involved, and no one else. This has gone on way to long. We sitting on the sidelines should back off. We know nothing.

BT is no place to judge who is to blame. That is not BT.

This thread should be closed. What do you think?

Hey, mods, lead!! :–)

Jerry..My vote is to put this thread to rest.
It's quite apparent that we are not going to come to a meeting of the minds on these issues, and the thread is simple degrading into sniping and back handed innuendos. Innocent hard working professional people are being adversely affected by this. Frankly I'm surprised the mods let it go on so long. This is not the reason why I joined BT many years ago.

I agree Jerry enough is enough,,,,,,

I think the purpose of this thread was to share information and to give folks a heads up.... I suggest that there is a periodic warning to practice safe renting/owning.... let's remember what the goal was.... I don't know why these things have to go personal...

Both sides have stated their positions. I did not fall off of the watermelon wagon yesterday. It seems Sunbelt attempted to work with the renters. It seems the renters were not happy with something. Other than that, I don't have a clue and neither does anyone else other than the two parties involved. It is time to get back to talking about diving and looking at pictures.

Next subject please.

I agree.

It's time for us to move on.

(Message edited by bonaire9 on May 1, 2010)

Randal's post is being reinstated to hopefully clear the air about some of the things that had happened, and to add closure. THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN CLOSED.
The posts on BT are held in the archives and are search able by all. People should take care what they state on the boards. Sometimes we forget this. Businesses as well as individuals sometimes go through bad times. This of course does not mean that they cannot change their ways and improve their services or demeanor and become better than before the change. It would be a shame to ruin someone's new life change just because a bad post was found on a forum like this.

We would also like to remind everyone using this forum that they may not post FOR someone else in that person's name. This goes against our posting
policies. Should this happen again, we will have no recourse but to cancel that person's or business's account...Please post in your own
name, businesses and individuals alike.. Case in Point; Mr.Eichhorn posted on behalf of Ms. Van der Hout, but signed her name instead of his own.

Please everyone take time to read the posting policies again. POSTING POLICIES

Very interesting points Corine- Perhaps by the picture you have
> painted of this incident myself and rest of this party may have missed
> our calling and should of stayed a little farther south at the Sorobon
> resort. Hmmmm there is always next time
>
> I have no monetary interest in this board like some of the property
> owners do but I vote to keep the thread open so unsuspecting visitors
> to the island can make there on informed decision on were to spend
> there vacation dollars....
>
> I just would like to try and touch on a few things that have
> transpired since the initial post. I for one like most can not stand
> the she said-he said discussions and will try and touch on and clear
> up some FACTS...
>
> Fact of the matter is- Not sure of the new policy on the board when it
> comes to sending a police report before posting. I have been a member
> of this forum long enough to know at one time it was mandatory so you
> can rest assured that it was sent before the original post.
>
> At this point as I expected we have not heard anything from the
> Bonaire authorities regarding this criminal activity.
>
> First I would would like to say not for one minute do I feel that
> Corine or any one else on her staff PHYSICALLY went into our rental
> property and removed our personnel belongings. However you can rest
> assured based on all the things that transpired throughout the week
> all indications point to the fact that this was an inside job.
> Yes I realize that this an assumption and not fact but common since
> and over two decades in law enforcement by one of my traveling
> companions is a good way to assess the obvious. Surely even the most
> skeptical will agree with that.
>
> Corine-It’s a pity though that we had to wait easily half an hour on
> our appointments with the renters before they arrived themselves.
>
> Yes this is true I was late. My bottom time on the dive prior to the
> appointment was 80min. rather than the usual 60min. please forgive me
> for I was out enjoying a well deserved vacation. Thought we were on
> island time any how I progress.
>
> Corine-While waiting our staff found 3 laptops unattended and clearly
> visible on the porch.
>
> This my fellow THREAD FOLLOWERS is a prime example of the type of
> ludicrous fabrication in dealing with this business establishment.
> I (Randall) brought the ONE and only laptop on the trip. Monitors can
> check this in the official police report provided for FACT
> conformation. I thought long and hard before doing so. You can rest
> assured that there was no electronics left out in plan view unless we
> were there in the house. After having a wonderful week before at the
> Caribbean Club and having to leave my laptop in room (safe to small
> for computer) when gone from the premises. I let my guard down and
> felt pretty good about being able to lock it in this bigger but
> obviously not very secure safe.
>
> Corine-Seems that Bonaire is not so unsafe at all times;
>
> Very true statement...The first time in all my visits I have ever used
> SR and also the first time my accommodations have been vandalized....
>
> Corine-- only your items have been stolen, non of the owner. 
I
> think too that that is strange.
> Finally we agree on something....
>
> Corine-- you feel someone had access to the property, no signs of
> break in. Only the doors to the porch have been kicked in from the
> inside of the home. 
I think this is very strange too, who in the
> world, that is able to access the home without having to force a door
> or window will leave the home with loads of stuff in his hands or in a
> bag by means of forcing a double door that is locked?
> Fact: I would say that 80% of the things stolen could have fit into
> my backback/laptop bag. Based on the evidence there were definitely
> several people in the house. Warning common since speculation to
> follow: We feel that perhaps we returned from a fabulous dinner at
> Donna & Gorgio's while they were still in the house. This would
> explain the reason for the forced exit.
>
> Corine-Isn’t it strange too that on Wednesday the security system is
> working -all batteries had been changed that usually will last for
> months- and that suddenly on Saturday night the alarm was not working?
> It worked on Wednesday and must have on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
> otherwise the renters would have called us right away, as it was so
> important to them.
>
> 
As stated above on Wednesday(half way through the week) one of SR
> staff came out to explain/complain to me that all the batteries had
> been changed and how much that cost, and the alarm was now ready for
> use. Folks the alarm never did work.... Must have missed replacing one
> of those expensive batteries.
>
> Corine-Like someone else was mentioning on BT, on the photo that is on
> BT you see a camera. The answer of the renters is; luckily we took our
> video with us, which also can make pictures. 
But that still leaves
> the camera on the bed…
>
> This statement shows how one board member describes Corine
“rest
> assured she has high ethics and an equally sharp business acumen” I
> question her insightfulness based on these facts. There were six
> people on this trip, among us there were four or five camera’s
> fortunately only one was stolen the rest were in our possession at
> time of break in. Not to mention the fact that the CAMERA ON THE BED
> is not even a camera but yes you underwater photographers guessed it.
> IT’S A FREAKIN UNDERWATER HOUSING” sorry for yelling but
> really????
>
> Corine-When the renters had left early Sunday morning, our staff went
> to the home that same morning and found the door open with only a note
> on the table stating; 
‘Call us right away’. 
The renters
> could have called Sunbelt immediately after the break in, since we
> have a 24/7 emergency contact number which was known to them.
>
> I ask each person reading this if you have been in a situation similar
> to this just once at anytime in your life and any were in the
> world,who is the first person you call???? We had the police at the
> house until somewhere around midnight. We then had to wait and repack
> what was left of all or belongings and go to the station to pick up
> the official police report around 3am prior to our departure. Not to
> mention return the rental vehicles and deal with airport authorities.
> Based on the experience so far with SR why in the hell would we have
> called them????
>
> Corine-We did follow up on the note and called on Monday the whole
> day. No answer. Do I really need to elaborate on why Tonia was not in
> her office on Monday to except SR’s call?
>
> Corine-On Tuesday morning our staff got Tonia on the phone. She only
> started screaming and yelling right away saying; we blame you, and
> consequently the words; you are a liar. Our staff was shocked by this
> statement especially when one of our staff members asked her if she
> meant that they suspected her of the break in on which she answered
> ‘yes’. Then we stopped the conversation right away.
>
> I (Randall) can not comment on this conversation but based on some of
> the facts pointed out in this thread Im not sure although harsh but
> understandably “LIAR” is not a fair and precise statement.
> Corine-Later on our staff has called again hoping that they had calmed
> down a bit. We told them we were very sorry to hear that their
> belongings had been stolen, that we felt really bad about it and would
> do all possible to help them.
> Really help? Your website advertises the house with wireless internet
> which you yourself said is sporadic at best. Also you have admitted
> that the alarm was working only have the week. Corine I must be
> missing something? I could have sworn our party paid for a FULL week
> of services???
>
> Corine-Within one or two days we got a long email with all complains
> of what was wrong with the house, the inventory our service and on and
> on. Randall arrived one week on the Island earlier as Tonia posted on
> BT. 
He has met the renters that were there for 3 months and has
> seen the home. 
The previous renters never complained on all the
> points this party is complaining. 
If it was so bad, why didn’t
> Randall come to our office to tell us that this was not what they
> wanted? We could have found them easily in that week, another home
> with better beds, more bed linen, with nightstands etc etc.
>
> Some of you know that we have been to Bonaire many times in the past.
> I have been in this particular house on several other occasions and
> new of what the amenities were and were not. I have already stated why
> this particular property was chosen. I mean really people were in
> Bonaire I would be happy on the beach. The amenities or lack of were
> more of a concern for the ladies. Like most individuals we simply
> would expect getting what we paid for. I would not expect internet
> service or alarm system while sleeping on the beach but Im also sure
> it would not be part of the advertised amenities now would it?
>
> Corine-And then the remark on the insurance. 
Who would be traveling
> without a travel insurance nowadays? Especially if you bring so many
> valuable stuff as you describe. 
I whish there would exist insurance
> companies in the world that offer a content insurance that also
> insures the belongings of the vacation renters, of which the insurance
> company can never know what they bring with them. Let me know if you
> ever find one.
> Since your company was so eager to help in our situation we were
> simply inquiring about the insurance on the Esmeralda Home. Was not
> expecting anything just inquiring. But Im sure based on your let me
> know statement you will be glad to know we are insured and are in the
> process of going through that ordeal.
> Corine-What I did not even mention up till now is that my staff also
> had gotten indecent proposals by these 6 renters in inviting them to
> their party in which clothing was ‘optional’. And I will not even
> go into why the internet connection was so important. 
Please treat
> my staff with respect. Do what you have to do but don’t bother us
> with it.
> Indecent proposal please!!! Don’t flatter yourself no invitation
> extended. Fact is Tonia and I have been together for over thirty years
> and are now approaching twentyfive years of marriage. Pretty sure we
> do not need the the internet to maintain our relationship which is
> suggested by this professional individual. However could it have been
> the internet was so important for this?????
> [Photo of new grand child here]
> Yes you see our daughter Natasha was getting ready to delivery our
> first grandchild.
> I ask each of you reading this to simply us your on judgment and come
> to your on conclusion....
> We enjoy Bonaire very much and will continue to visit.
>
>


(Message edited by modfreddie on May 6, 2010)

(Message edited by modfreddie on May 7, 2010)