Morning everyone! I had an exciting start to the day and thought I would share. Since it turns out well, I am hoping the moderators allow this post to remain. However I defer to their decision.

I left the house to go to Cultimara this morning and at the intersection by Lisa Gas I remembered that I forgot to grab some bags. I turned around and drove back for the bags. While passing Windsock, I noticed a group getting into the water. A little jealous, because I still don't have my computer, I still thought "I hope they have a good dive." I keep on going, get home, pick up my bags and head back out. As I am driving past Windsock again, I see three local (young teens) pass the divers' truck. They then turned back and jumped in to the truck. I pulled over to call the police and saw the kids drive off! (Lesson #1: never hide your keys. ALWAYS take them in the water with you.)

I dialed 911 and it was busy. I dialed again - still busy. I dialed again...ring....ring....ring....ring....ring....the number you are calling is not answering (then a series of annoying tones). I dialed again...ring....ring...etc... I approached a very nice couple on the beach and asked them the number for the police. They said 911. I then asked what do I call if they don't answer. They told me 717-8000. But then...the man started calling for me as I told them what I witnessed. It turns out the man was an off duty policeman. What luck!!! The on duty policeman was in Rincon, so the off duty policeman asked me if I would go with him to try and find the boys and the truck. I agreed. As we walked to his car, the boys pulled up in the truck (not in the same exact spot and not facing the same direction). The boys then ran off down the beach. The policeman chased them. Low and behold, two more policemen showed up. Meanwhile I gave them my number and name and told them I would wait for the divers to come out. I got to have a very lovely chat with the policeman's wife sitting on the beach. Lesson 2: I discovered that there is only one person who answers the 911 line and if they have to go to the bathroom, well, the line just rings. Everyone was so nice handling this. The boys were caught and confessed to taking a joy ride. BTW...they were not even old enough to drive yet.

The divers were amazing when they got out of the water. Long time travelers to Bonaire, they were so surprised this happened. We all agreed the boys were just being boys and I think all will end well. The boys are being "taken in" but I think that will be more of a scare than anything else. I do not have a copy of the police report because I was the witness, not the victim. However, since this was a "boys will be boys" situation, I hope the moderators will allow this post to stay.

I have to say I was very pleased with everyone involved. I got to have a lovely conversation with a local woman. We all learned to NEVER hide your keys, ALWAYS take them with you. I learned a new emergency phone number. I guess another lesson is if your truck appears to be in a different spot (and facing the opposite direction) it might have been off for a joy ride. And....I will always now pay attention to divers gearing up.

I did find some good scallops at Cultimara so I guess I found dinner today as well. That is, unless I get a better offer. Cheers!

Tribs, thanks for not being afraid to get involved and help out. The best part is it all turned out well in the end. Stay safe, have a good dinner and this serves as a gentle reminder to use common sense.

Tribs, you did an amazing job of helping right a wrong today. Thank you for caring. And also for sharing your experience with all of us.

The unfortuante thing is that the kids will get away with it since there really is no punishment for joy riding.

Thanks Tribs.

I think your post is more info then a crime post.
In my eyes it's GOOD TO KNOW!

Jeanine

Way to go, well done and a very informative post.

Tribs, I agree with others. Thanks for getting involved, most folks would just do nothing and let it slide. I hope the kids get a good scolding, as Michael says, there's no punishment for joy riding.

I have to ask, do you know where the divers hid the key? We ALWAYS take the key with us when diving, I'm just curious where they hid it, and the kids knew it would be there.

This has me motivated to start a thread about emergency phone numbers on Bonaire. List them, then travelers can print them out and take them with them when on island.

thanks tribs.
es

Good idea Cynde.

Go Tribs!!! Michael, watch out, she'll be running for mayor next!!!
You know, between saving animals, stopping the crime...this could be a close race!!!LOL
Cynde, that is a good idea!!

It's kind of sad that they will get off with just "joy riding" !

Here we just call it "Grand Theft Auto" !!

Good Job Jah-neen !

Timmy, the Bonaire jail is very very small, which is part of the problem. I wonder, do they have the equivalent of "juve" hall on Bonaire?

I'm still trying to process the fact that they brought it back I guess it's sort of like when I used to sneak my mom's Cutlass Supreme in the wee hours of the morning. I'd pick up my bff and we'd go to the donut shop and scurry home before anyone woke up... till the day she caught me

Ah well, Well Done Jeanine Glad you got to meet some new friends.

Cynde, thanks for posting the list.

What an amazing story . I think the boys were pretty cool to return the ride , however , If a pedestrian or cyclist were hurt by their actions it would not be such a good ending . I think the boys should be yelled at and the divers given the same for leaving their keys where they could be found . Its too easy to take them with us . Good work Tribs!