By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #213) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:02 am: |
I am placing this on Bonaire Talk and I hope the moderators allow it on. Since January there have been 30 some burglaries in the Belnam area. My sister lost over $5000, our next door neighbor yesterday lost over $3000. The thieves look for unlocked windows and doors. The have entered homes when empty and when folks have been home. The Bonaire police are working on this. You need to protect yourselves and LOCK your doors and windows.... if you are in the back yard...LOCK the front of your house up... If the moderators will allow I will post the link to a person in the Belnam area who has created a neighborhood watch. This is VERY REAL
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #214) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:07 am: |
http://belnem-watchdogs.com/our_blog
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By *****Patrick with sharks on Bonaire***** (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #4821) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:16 am: |
Bill that would be great if you did not need a password to get into the blog. I have tried to read this now four different times and keeps coming up you need to a password to get in. So what is the password to get in.
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By Jeanine wants a tribble. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #9726) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:51 am: |
Kind of frustrating that the blog is for only residents. Whereas I do understand their need to control the blog, this prevents those of us who stay in Belnam for extended periods of time from being aware. I guess us visitors will just have to assume the worse and prepare accordingly.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #215) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:53 am: |
I just talked to Ken and I will see what I can do about the password.... 3 people were caught last night.... this does not stop the danger there are others.... stay alert... will get a password if I can....
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #216) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 8:03 am: |
Ok just ran over to Ken's house. Here is his personal email... Please contact him he is working out how to provide access to the blog.... thank you for your patience
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #107) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 11:48 am: |
Bill...while I agree this crime thing on Bonaire is terrible, getting out of control, and something needs to be done about it.....IMO locking your doors & windows is common sense & should be done where ever you are. Scumbag thieves are always looking for the easy route, they're lazy a$$ people otherwise they would have jobs & would buy their own stuff instead of stealing from hardworking people. I hate liars & thieves!
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By Kate Hickson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #345) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 11:54 am: |
It doesn't matter if you lock the doors and windows. They'll take a t-shirt off the line, wrap it around their hand, bust the glass, and get in.
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By Barbara "CB" Gibson (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4970) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:00 pm: |
It's true that locking doors is common sense, but just knowing that you HAVE to lock everything up affects the quality of life in the area, and that's a shame.
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By Freddie~~~~~~ Spring has Sprung ) (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14220) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:25 pm: |
If any of you SHOULD be granted a password. Please do not post anything that might be sensitive to the neighborhood concerning measures that are being taken.. Remember the thieves take computers and also might be looking and lurking as we speak....
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #885) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:36 pm: |
Thank you Freddie !
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By Barbara "CB" Gibson (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4974) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:36 pm: |
Ugh. I'm with Kate.....thieves suck....
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #217) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:36 pm: |
Good point Freddie, thank you and thanks for posting this.... you are the BEST
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #108) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:48 pm: |
I'm from Detroit, I was raised locking everything up so I'm totally used to it. Is there a place where you don't HAVE to lock everything up? Back in the early 90's we spent time on Grand Cayman & Grand Turk & you could leave anything anywhere & it would be there when you went back. Ahhhh, the good ol' days!
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By Barbara "CB" Gibson (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4978) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:59 pm: |
I live on county land south of San Francisco, and we just started having to lock things up two or three years ago. It's a different feeling...
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By Trevor Naylor (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #203) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 4:21 pm: |
I have been on the island nearly six weeks on this visit. Last night was the first time I had seen any police throughout that period. They are obviously in very short supply or under cover!!!
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #218) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 5:45 pm: |
Ah Trevor .... we are not in Kansas anymore....
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By Grunt (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1077) on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 7:23 pm: |
Bill, contact me on Bonaire at My email address regarding a free intruder alarm.
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #658) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 4:11 am: |
For those on vacation, take the minimum of valuables. For residents, I am afraid there is no easy answer.
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By Ron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #152) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 6:41 am: |
What is the law when it comes to defending yourself or property? I thought I had read where it is illegal to detain anyone for any reason unless you are the popos.
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By Grunt (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1078) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 9:06 am: |
Bill, I am on island and will be till May 7th.
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #659) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 11:50 am: |
Ron.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #219) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 12:45 pm: |
Just a note out there.... keep it safe for yourself.... there's no need to be a victim twice..... perhaps someone who is very adept at island law can help us with this... Not saying you are wrong Ron, but it's always good to be sure... I've had a couple discussions and I was brought up pretty much the same way as most.... someone hurts you, you stop them.... but I was thinking how hot a Bonairian cell might be right now...
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By Pauline Kayes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #265) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 3:13 pm: |
Time for all residents of Belnem to go to the Animal Shelter and adopt one or two dogs who will love the opportunity for a home that they can protect from these miscreants.
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #206) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 3:48 pm: |
On island right now, have never seen so many police cars before racing towards Belnam with blue lights flashing. Was told by locals, that is a first.
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By Ron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #153) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 6:15 pm: |
How is everything on the other side of the turn about around Captian Don's.
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By KIV ~ Kobi in Virginia (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14197) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 8:03 pm: |
Pauline.....great advice!!!!!
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #222) on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 6:46 am: |
If I lived here a dog would have a home....
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By J. (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #26085) on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 10:28 am: |
"On island right now, have never seen so many police cars before racing towards Belnam with blue lights flashing. Was told by locals, that is a first".
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #207) on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 12:20 pm: |
Everywhere you look right now on the island the fencing gets replaced with high fences topped by barbed wire. Walls that were already decorated on the top with broken glass bottles get rolls of barbed wiring on top of those. Resorts are installing new entry gates, home owners have security products brought from the US, the new police head quarter is huge and I was told the force is currently being restructured. I know we like to think, things are slow on the island, a lot has been done the last 10 months. If I were a property owner I would install bars on all doors and windows. As a vacationer, renting a property, I would expect security in place to let me sleep at night. Not flashing expensive lap tops or Iphones in public is every vacationers responsibility.
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By Ron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #159) on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 9:30 pm: |
You would think they would take strong measures to snuff this problem out before it gets bigger. People are not going to take their Vacation or Holiday where it is not safe.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #224) on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 10:17 pm: |
there are many sides to this story... we need to help it... and have it play out right.... Going home tomorrow... and very sad.... god bless Bonaire...
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #660) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 4:37 am: |
Ron.
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By Lloyd Haskell (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #537) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 5:10 am: |
I totally agree with Antony on this one . Unless they nip it in the bud , crime will rank second only to the tourism industry on the economic income of Bonaire .
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By KIV ~ Kobi in Virginia (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14207) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 8:03 am: |
Antony, I totally agree.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #225) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 9:56 pm: |
Hey you guys thank you for continuing this tread... I hope something comes of it... I"m back in Upstate NY.... god, I love the island and so many of the people there.... I miss it already.... will be staying in touch...
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By J. (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #26130) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 10:15 pm: |
Welcome home Bill.
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By Freddie~~~~~~ Spring has Sprung ) (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14251) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 11:46 am: |
this is a test.. one of our posters is seeing a post on this thread with computer music in it.. anyone else???
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By J. (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #26134) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 11:59 am: |
No music, but the voices are back.
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By Ron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #161) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:01 pm: |
No music, no voices.
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By Freddie~~~~~~ Spring has Sprung ) (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14252) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:02 pm: |
thank you,,,,,
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #226) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:14 pm: |
Ok Freddie it is now clear??? I swear, not since the 60's.... LOL
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #227) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:17 pm: |
Thanks for the welcome home J.... time to get my bike on the road... Take care of Belnam youse guys.... support the blog also...
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By J. (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #26135) on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:19 pm: |
I have tagged every post, nothing. Bill have any of that weed left?
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #109) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 2:09 pm: |
Chris....bars don't always work either, I've heard stories of them removing the bars (when bars are installed on the outside) and also using a fishing pole to steal when the barred windows are left open!
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #211) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 2:21 pm: |
We saw this car parked at Karpata, a couple of times. Our local "guide" just laughed and said not to take the logo on the car too seriously....what ever that meant.
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #212) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 2:24 pm: |
Trish, I know. And in some cases this spring young children were lifted thru the bars,too. But there are some types that are mounted on the inside, in a criss cross pattern, those look very effective.
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #111) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 2:44 pm: |
Chris, I hear there's also some type of apoxy (sp?) they can use on the screws to make it harder to unscrew the hardware.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #232) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 4:51 pm: |
Trish, the bars and I've had to do work behind them also, aren't quite as bad as your experience... my sister are less intrusive than I thought they would be... what's happening here is that folks are actually coming into the house when people are occupied out back.... the workers on my sisters house saw someone, but they kept their faces obscured... and when they went to check they couldn't be seen.... there are way too many houses on Bonaire with fairly easy access... I do hope the cameras work...
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #112) on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 5:11 pm: |
Thanks Bill, so far so good with the cameras. I have seen a lot of security bars that look very nice. The ones that were installed on the places around me look okay, however, here we are a couple of years later & they're already starting to rust. They also didn't come with the super duper cement stuff on the screws & the owners are now having to pay someone to do that. That being said, we're happy we didn't get them & hoping our luck continues with the cameras. We installed the system ourselves, it cost 1/3 of the cost of the bars which was also a motivator for us.
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By Beth (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #153) on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 12:03 pm: |
We have been traveling with my parents to Bonaire for years. They have always been very security conscious..locking doors when we were sitting out by the pool, hiding valuables, passports etc. We use to make fun of them, but now we do the same thing.
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By Bill LaBarge (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #238) on Monday, May 3, 2010 - 7:50 am: |
Just a last note here. Folks who are renting to others and those renting properties should be having a conversation about what you can do to be safe and check in with Ken out in Belnam who has the neighborhood watch going on.... enjoy Bonaire most of the folks there are still very wonderful.... may be going back in June....
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By Robert J. Patch (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - 6:11 pm: |
Chris, the logo on the car meant the exact opposite of security. If you were driving around looking for stuff to steal, wouldn't you mark your car that way, to make people careless?
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By Daniel Ray (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 9:25 am: |
wow, my heart is breaking to read about all this. I have been going to your Island for 13 years and felt very safe until now. I was hoping that time would not catch up for you and destroy such a wonderful place. I guess I will have to look over my shoulder the next visit to be safe but will continue to visit. In fact a small group of us are coming week the 12th. I do thank you guys for the warning and what to watch for. Please be safe.
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By kent thomas (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 - 4:45 am: |
wow everyone seems very upset and rightfully so,but there seems to be a hard drug problem.and possible resentment of tourists.or they see them as easy targets.either way .Bars ,dogs ,etc might stop a few ,but what will help is the slow process of education, and help with drug addition.its interesting that divers pay 25 dollars to help the reef how about a tax for every person visiting bonaire to help with crime and education and drug addiction I know people don't like taxes hay I live in Canada. for a quick fix look at Cuba law how dose 20 years in jail sound for b&e, but would you live in Cuba ?
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