By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #38) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 9:23 am: |
Hello to all,
|
By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #606) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 4:42 pm: |
we are currently staying at the divi , someone stole one weight belt and a pair of weight pockets from our truck Mon nite. Now we carry everything in at the end of the day...I'd like to catch the bastards...wouldn't need the police
|
By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #65) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 6:14 pm: |
Sadly the situation will continue. Those "quiet" weeks were a mere fluke. After getting bombarded by the letters of visitors stating their unwillingness to return, the head honchos of course had to do something. Those "raids" could well be staged. In Peru, the crook, fugitive ex-president organized "raids" to "capture" those who were "damaging" the image of the government. Now it is being learned it was all a big show. Not an uncommon practice around South America. The government saw that tourists kept coming back despite the threats, so they adopted their "I don't care" attitude" again. They know that if you don't come, others will. What an unfortunate state of events! I much wanted to believe that things were really changing, but I knew it was too soon to celebrate. I hope that those who are still willing to return have a safe and event-free trip. Just my two cents. Coach Izzy
|
By juan zambrano mazzei (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 6:17 pm: |
Gregg---divi (sometimes) they post a guard at the two entrances, but keep your eyes open when you are out, never let your scuba diving stuff and bags,cameras etc in your truck, is not safe inclusive with this two guards......bluefish
|
By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4130) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 7:06 pm: |
Gregg, your note answered one of my questions on another thread. Are they hitting the hotel side? While we were there in June we heard about two rooms on the hotel side being hit on the same nite. Heard it from a "guest", not the folks at the Divi.
|
By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #188) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 7:43 pm: |
Thanks for the warning. I refuse to yield. 31 Days and a Wakeup and God help anyone my brother in law and I catch trying to rip off our stuff.
|
By joe and dawn lievois (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 8:43 am: |
Always had a hair-trigger temper that thought might get someone hurt. Chasing banditos does not a vacation make (more like a heart attack or other form of injury or death). Banditos probably don't read BT.
|
By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1191) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 8:59 am: |
The Locking of the side gate saddens me. I always loved going out that gate to walk the promenade into town. I guess you just have to go on the main road for a bit before turning down to the waters edge.
|
By Jim Houtsinger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 11:49 pm: |
Do most of these break ins occur during the dark hours or is daytime just as bad?
|
By Gregg Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #38) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 9:41 am: |
Unfortunately, the broken windows & break ins on vehicles occur both day & night and mostly at the dive sites. I am not sure about the problems at private homes and resorts. Something really needs to be done though and but sadly it appears there is much talk but too little action. It is amazing to me that enough pressure can't be applied to do more. There are only so many people on Bonaire and most likely there is a very small number of these criminals. Maybe even the hotels, dive shops & concerned citizens pooling money to hire security people to photograph incidents - then post the photographs all over the island? I mean when people are able to witness these things and give descriptions can it really be that difficult?? And a "yellow compact car"... well how many of these can there be on Bonaire - couldn't the police just follow for a few days???
|
By Linda Richter - NetTech (Moderator - Post #1987) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 11:37 am: |
I would like to point out that the yellow compact car is speculation and no actual crime was witnessed. And I don't believe Carole reported this to any authorities at the time which was in June. So while I do agree the police could be doing more, it is hard to expect them to be following around yellow cars if they have not been given any reason to.
|
By joe and dawn lievois (BonaireTalker - Post #18) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 12:34 pm: |
hmm. i think yellow car = red herring. various testimonials indicate that the police often receive tourist crime complaints with beligerance or indifference. That coupled with their inability to capture and rehabilitate those responsible for a lot of criminal action on a very small island leaves a feeling of powerlessness and insecurity.
|
By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #39) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 1:14 pm: |
I really think the police could do a LOT more in the means of patroling dive site areas. They should get out, walk around wooden areas where theives hide. They could make them do community service to the amount of windows they broke that day or something to make them think twice. Not sure if that is legal to do in Bonaire, but at least they are doing something for what they did. I, for one, am going to write a letter to the Board of Tourism, may do no good, but at least I will feet better, maybe cc to the governor too. I am getting to know way too many people this is happening to and I know the police force added two new officers to its force, lets see them do something for the divers who bring in a lot of money to Bonaire. If the divers stopped coming, where would the economy be? I'm certain it will have a jelly roll effect on that in time. A lot of time has gone by already. Not all divers can afford to or want to do boat dives to avoid a broken window every time, or to be realisic, at least once on vaction, its gotten to the point that you have to include window damage in your vacation savings, something I would rather spend elsewhere on this beautiful island. I know crime is everywhere, some places worst, but the I don't care attitude and lack of interest in the divers protection is beyond me in any country that depends so much on tourism. That word will get out and around the world in no time. It's such a shame, I very sad :{
|
By Al Schroedel (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 3:54 pm: |
The continuing lack of real and permanent progress in dealing with crime on Bonaire for a very long time now must be very distressing to the decent residents of this island. For all those who visit, the question that must answered is whether it's worthwhile risking theft or injury by returning to Bonaire. Regrettably, some have decided not. Even more regrettably, others may well join them. Bonaire will move on regardless of the decisions of visitors. Still, for those who love this island, it is in Debbie Babcock's words, "..such a shame.."
|
By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #189) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 4:03 pm: |
Look for another place to go? I don't think so. Go to Bonaire, spend your money and follow the anti-theft guidance posted on Bonaire Talk about a million times - don't go - they win - no way!
|
By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4134) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 5:24 pm: |
We will continue to return to Bonaire. We feel very safe on Bonaire. Probably moreso than here in New Jersey
|
By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4135) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 5:26 pm: |
Debbie and Gregg...by any chance do you know a fella named John Adams? He lives in your area. He's an old buddy of mine. It's nice where you guys are...we are up here in crowded Northern NJ...lucky you! And moving to Bonaire...even luckier!! Ayo. Carole
|
By Gregg Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #40) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 6:34 pm: |
I agree not going to Bonaire is not the solution and actually the more people demanding attention to the issue the better. & besides I love Bonaire. Joe has some great ideas & points. My comment about the "yellow compact car" was only used as an example to illustrate that it seems the police and others are aware of certain things but show little concern in pursuing them.
|
By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #40) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 6:45 pm: |
Hi Carol,
|
By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #41) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 7:17 pm: |
Carole,
|
By David Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 10:38 pm: |
While I wish that car prowls were not a problem in Bonaire, they are (and have been for the entire 10 years I have been visiting). I also wish they were not a problem at hiking trail heads and in certain cities.
|
By joe and dawn lievois (BonaireTalker - Post #19) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 11:24 pm: |
Carole,
|
By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #190) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:09 am: |
We have used roughly the same procedure David Johnson posted above for the last 3 years and have not had a problem yet; that's not say we won't but we think it definately puts the odds in our favor - no such thing as zero defect environment. Put the odds in your favor - diving freedom is worth it. 27 Days and a wakeup!
|
By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #5151) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:47 am: |
Joe - nice suggestion if the police were responsible to the island council of Bonaire. However, the police are not. They are controlled and responsible to the Ministry of Justice in Curacao, which is a major root of many police administrative and organizational problems on Bonaire. Curacao doesn't give a hoot about what goes on on Bonaire as long as Bonaire sends them Tax revenue (which by law it must - can't withhold it).
|
By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #549) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 3:43 pm: |
What Bonaire needs is a Sheriff. Small town Police are always tied to the politicians and since the pols are in Curacao... what do the fat butt local Majors care. The rank and file foot-police follow the lazy big butts leadership (or lack thereof). Now a locally ELECTED Sheriff with a half dozen Deputies would work wonders.
|
By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 4:42 pm: |
I'll vote for that! Just imagine Bonaire with a sheriff!!! Kinda like the wild west, well it is desert like. Hey, the idea is too funny, it might work! Beats a blank.
|
By bob (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1272) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 8:02 pm: |
CITIZEN's ARREST!!!
|
By C. Kritagent (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #331) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 8:15 pm: |
Amazing what appears where folks obviously have more time on their hands than they can handle... Accusing Bonaire's senior police officials of having "fat butts" (like they cannot read this site and won't take offense to your accusations) Sherrif's, Sherrif's deputies and now Citizen's Arrest.
|
By joe and dawn lievois (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:35 pm: |
I did a search of crime on the Site to find addresses and found instead a lot in first hand experience with break-ins from BTers. The problem is not hitting close to home; it is home. Nothin' to do but take David's, Jake's,and Marcus' advice. Be loud when you can, to the high heavens if necessary. Then enjoy Bonaire.
|
By Mary Wills (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #320) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 12:08 am: |
Hmmm, Secret Agent is being critical of everything he sees again.
|
By C. Kritagent (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #332) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 8:01 am: |
Mary,
|
By Gary Thuillier (BonaireTalker - Post #67) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 8:34 pm: |
Jake forgot to mention that his dive buddy forgot to pull out the hand brake and found the truck had rolled into the middle of a large puddle when we got out.
|
By Gary Thuillier (BonaireTalker - Post #68) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 8:44 pm: |
Woops!!! Did I say we? OK, it was me, so I guess I forgot. Thank God it rolled that way and not the other. This was our first trip to Bonaire and because of BT I was very concerned (though not really worried) but we always left the truck unlocked as instructed and never had anything taken. If you're that worried, buy trip insurance.
|
By Faith M. Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #585) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 12:18 am: |
As long as it was just a large puddle it rolled into, and not the ocean -- a friend of ours had his truck end up in the drink when he forgot to set the hand brake (we kept reminding him, but we weren't with him on this particular dive). Can't remember for sure, but I think it was at Oil Slick Leap, no less. The truck got its picture in the Bonaire Reporter that week as a local tow crew hoisted it out of the water. This was back in October 2000...
|
By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4147) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 3:06 am: |
Faith, was that the jeep over by Karel's? Carole
|
By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #553) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 7:48 am: |
The difference between the traditional roles of the Police and the county Sheriff is more of an accountability issue.
|
By Mary Wills (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #324) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:57 am: |
Wally, what do you mean plug in those lights?
|
By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #158) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 6:40 pm: |
Wally, there is one other point to concider... Bonaire is not part of the US, and in Europe a Sheriff system does not exist.
|
By Robert Crumley (BonaireTalker - Post #36) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:28 pm: |
Didn't Bonaire just vote to break away from Curacao?
|
By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #555) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:57 pm: |
Hi Brigitte...I realize the old Sheriff system (I think it originated in England) no longer exist in Europe...and is beginning to fade in the US....but it still is a good system for smaller towns and rural areas.
|
By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #159) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 7:59 am: |
Robert, yes, they voted to break away from Curacao ... which means much closer ties with The Netherlands
|
By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #192) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 10:01 am: |
I lived in Germany for 7 years. If the Dutch Police are anything like the German Police, crime on Bonaire should diminish in a big hurry if and when the Dutch Police are deployed.
|
By Debbie Babcock (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 11:57 am: |
I started this thread to make anyone who might read about what happened to people we knew and make everyone aware of it and what they did to prevent further damages. Yes, all divers, please roll ALL your windows down, leave nothing in vehicle and pray for the best. My only other comment was that Bonaire police were not very concerned and I think that it should change for sake of tourism and safety for all. This thread is getting a little carried away and some feelings are getting hurt and shouldn't. That was not the purpose of this thread. Unfortunately, I do know the policies and laws that are present and understand that there was a vote for the better of Bonaire. Great, however, this issue is still occurring and many people come to this island unaware, don't have knowledge of this website, are victims, never return and that is what worries me, I was just venting my frustration on this matter and truly hope that by us posting every time it happens, it does eventually get some good to come from it, maybe we all should write letters to the governor and Board of Tourism every time it happens to one of us, stats are always good to have for the future. There is a need to do something. The vote was the first step in this battle. I know it will take time, but the police should know that how they treat tourists, divers, whoever, has an effect on their economy. I don't believe we should roll over and take it either, but my message hopefully gets to newcomers who have yet to be on Bonaire and are prepared on how to go diving when they are going from the shore. Not everyone is told when they rent a car about it. Some are to be fair. Here's hoping for a better future for Bonaire!!
|
By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #162) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:22 pm: |
Here are the addresses I published on different subjects on BT --- please write, and please don't forget the Extra
|
By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #163) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:25 pm: |
Sorry, forgot to past the addresses
|
By Robert Lawrence (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Saturday, October 9, 2004 - 8:56 pm: |
We just returned from Bonaire and a wonderful week of diving. We are already planning and anticipating next years trip! This year was the first time that we left one person behind as a guard to watch the truck. The piles of glass at the various dive sites such as Karpata, Oil Slick, Ole Blue and many more, convinced us of the need to have someone with the truck. We talked to several people whose window glass was broken (with the doors unlocked with at least one window down)and to one guy whose spare was stolen. The people of Bonaire are good, honest people and I think this is the work of just a handful of criminals. I'm certainly not making fun of, or criticizing the local police, but how hard would it be to stake out say, Karpata? Judging by the broken glass on the ground there, it surely wouldn't be long before someone was caught! In the meantime, we'll be back next year, we'll be shore diving, and we'll be leaving a person behind to watch the truck. As someone has already stated, "What a shame"
|
By Richard B. Emerson (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 6:42 pm: |
In the end, there is no "they win". The island loses, period. I don't count myself "an old Caribbean hand" but I've been there enough to know how to be sensible about security. I've even been through one break-in (BVI, Cooper Island - BTW, the police nailed the thieves). But if things are to the state of "leave nothing in the vehicle, leave the windows open, build the cost of repairs into the trip, and leave nothing on the patio or balcony you can't afford to lose", then I'll vote with my feet (and my dollars). The thieves can't steal what isn't there: me and mine. Too bad, Bonaire, it could have been nice.
|
Visit: The Bonaire WebCams - Current Bonaire images and weather!
The Bonaire Insider - the latest tourism news about Bonaire
The Bonaire Information Site, InfoBonaire
Search Bonaire - Search top Bonaire Web sites