It's not Bonaire, but I was in Aruba a month ago and last week. I stayed at two different properties. Last month the property I stayed at had a break in. The thieves came in at night while the people were sleeping and stole things and money.

Last week I woke to someone trying to get in my room at 1:30 AM. I thwarted their attempt and reported it in the AM. It was caught on the security video. I saw the culprits face and all. Well, that same night other people in our group had been robbed WHILE they slept. Money, phones and more were taken.

My point is this is NOT only Bonaire. I wonder how the other islands fare with crime?

And well, Curacao? I met a woman this past week who was discussing crime there. She says the breaks ins are rampant in Curacao.

FYI...

Ann, last week in Aruba or at your place in Bonaire? It is definitely scary.

Hi Kelly,

I have had no problems here in Bonaire thank God.

It seems Curacao is the "connection" here and drugs are probably behind that...South America and Holland, maybe. That is strictly a comment off the top of my head so please don't take it to heart. I have no sources or facts at all. Just my opinion.

There are laborers being brought in from outside countries which could be a factor, too. I have no idea, but it is a possibility, I guess.

Cable is now all over the island and so are some very controversial television programs from the US.......might have an influence on some of the younger folks...don't know, but it is possible.

I still feel very safe on Bonaire but we are cautious while we are there, also. We are cautious no matter where we go. Sad, but true. I just hope the "problem" does not increase or escalate....then it will become a major problem for the tourist industry in general.

I love Bonaire and will continue to return as long as I can....I want to live on Bonaire...that is my ultimate dream. Gotta have a dream, right?! Carole

I noticed in the Bonaire Reporter this week that there were several breakins in several of the small towns where people live who are not rich and not tourists. This also has changed and is of concern.

Crime is not a new thing to the "not rich", "not tourist" crowd. You have just not been hearing about it. The Bonaire Reporter is the only English language paper so the information is now being made accessible. It is a nice addition to their paper and allows us to see what is going on without relying heavily on the vagueries of word of mouth on island.

Unfortunately, Bonaire is not immune from the negative things that happen to the rest of the world. George is doing a great job in keeping things in the open and folks aware....folks who live on the island as well as those of us who visit and would love to live there. It is good to see that it is no longer being swept under the rug/matt....I know no one will ever know "everything" that occurs, but this is a start. Hopefully the efforts to apprehend and prosecute the criminals committing the crimes will escalate and continue. It must be a difficult task when there is no Youth Detention Center or like-facility actually located on Bonaire for the youthful offenders who are apprehended. I hope this situation changes shortly somehow.

I still LOVE Bonaire and her people and appreciate her natural beauty, kindness and sincerity, etc. You gotta have faith...keep the faith! Ayo. Carole