Last week our neighbors at the resort had their room broken into in the late hours while they slept. A camera and small items were taken. The screen was removed and the thief apparently climbed in. We had been warned by the manager to lock our doors at night, but this was unexpected.
I will bring a small battery powered motion detector alarm with me next time Im in Bonaire.
Im more concerned about accidently confronting the thief and his reaction rather than what I may lose.

Elliot, What a great idea!!!

Elliot,
Don't let a trifle like confronting a potentially violent criminal stand in your way.
Have at it! Be the first one on the board to be murdered in your room.

Back to the think tank!

Where were you staying, Elliot? Carole

Hate to think I will be forced to sleep with one of the kitchen carving/butcher knives next to my bed at night....can't carry anything on the plane. Carole

I think someone just had a temper tantrum!--

GOOD GRIEF MIMI!!!!! IT'S TIME TO STOP!!!!!

There are crime issues that need to be dealt with in Bonaire, but I still say that it is the safest island that I have ever been to and never have I ever felt that my life would be in danger there!!

I agree, this must STOP. We are giving Bonaire a bad reputation, something it does not deserve. People are starting to think Bonaire is all about crime and we all know it is not! We all love Bonaire so let's be positive.

Alan & Joan - I just looked at your profile. Nice picture! AND I especially like your personal quote. I'm with you on that one :-) Denise

I haven't been to Bonaire yet but I've been a part of this group for a long time. There have been reports of theif at hotels and dive sites. It's nice to know the pros and cons of any area. We have been going to Freeport in the Bahamas for years and never have any trouble. "But" There is the same problems Our timeshare is very nice and somewhat private. You lock up at night there have been the same walk thoughs no one ever hurt just easy stuff picked up. and some years they have had a night watchman. I think you'll get this kind of crime anywhere and it doesn't keep me from having fun and trying new places. But it is nice to be forewarned

Nothing will stop me from getting on the AJ flight on 5-18. If someone tries to come "play with us" while we are sleeping, they will be "playing" by OUR rules! One of my many talents is that I can bark just like a dog...so well that dogs speak to me at times~!! I will start barking first...then they had better exit the party....nothing will stop us from being on wonderful Bonaire. CArole

darlene - no need to shout! I think you misinterpreted the post. The point i was making to Eliot is: if an intruder breaks into the room while you are sleeping (or trying to sleep), it would be unwise (as in dangerous) to confront the person. If the prowler has a weapon, it will be used against you. So, unless you sleep with weapons under your pillow, you will be at a distinct disadvantage. Playing possum would be a safer plan.
I don't believe Bonaire is an inherently dangerous place. But I do think theft and room break ins are a more serious problem than most of you who post on the board.
All of you need to know that I have received private e-mails from people who lurk but don't post and who feel the same way I do regarding crime on the island. They don't post because they know what will happen and they don't want the headaches & hassle. Frankly, I don't want it either. But, I'm not going to curb my comments since I am already knee deep into this subject.

For Joan & Alan: When the room break-ins stop, the postings about crime will stop. One follows the other. What is the HOA at Sand Dollar doing to increase/improve their security? If I owned a unit there, that would be my greater concern.
Happy Easter & Happy Passover, one & all.

Mimi, as with Jake and Michael on another thread, no more comments from me.

darlene - I don't recall ever asking for your comments. So the point you intended to make is superfluous.

I am biting my tounge so hard...........

Wasn't it a rhetorical comment not requiring a response?

But there's something about some people just needing to have the last word no matter how absurd and petty it makes them look... :-)

Jake

Why would anyone be afraid to post their thoughtful comments here (either pro or con) on the "crime" issue? (rhetorical). I see no attacks going on. Sure there are different levels of concern & worry but this place (BT)almost always seems civil...

To the crime issue. Surely there is something to discuss & hopefully find a cure for but remember that most of this crime is petty. There is very little real threat & even as a substantiated issue, the theft problem on Bonaire only stands out because of the general purity of the Island itself. You don't have to worry about getting murdered, assaulted or strong-armed on Bonaire. This can't be said of many of the Islands and certainly none of the United States.

Certainly this break-in problem is bothersome but lets keep it in perspective!

Elliot, what resort were you at? Inquiring minds want to know.