DATE: 2020-03-16 22:00 LOCATION: Dominican Republic – Luperon EVENT: Burglary HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: Cash and jewelry SECURED: Locked DETAILS: A yacht on a mooring in the bay was burglarized between 6-10PM while the crew was ashore. The thief broke into the boat via the companionway door. Cash and jewellery were stolen. Reports were made to all authorities – The Navy/commandante, the police and the tourist police. No forensics were conducted.
CSSN NOTE: This is the 6th report of boarding/break-in from Luperon bay in 2020. Cruisers and the Navy have begun nighttime patrols. ID: 2466
DATE: 2020-02-27 20:00 LOCATION: Dominican Republic – Luperon EVENT: Vandalism HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: Nothing taken SECURED: Not Locked DETAILS: Owners returned to their unlocked yacht after an evening ashore and found they had been boarded. Wet footprints were found in the salon and below. Nothing seemed to be missing, but the yacht had been well searched/ransacked. A report was made to the Navy. ID: 2461
DATE: 2020-02-03 20:00 LOCATION: Dominican Republic – Luperon EVENT: Theft HAND: 1 UPDATE:2/13/2020: CSSN has received a firsthand report from the victim. Additional details include that there was some damage to the interior of the yacht, and that the thief likely used tools they found there. A report was made to the Navy, who visited the boat and took pictures but no forensics. CSSN has contacted stakeholders in Luperon to clarify the correct reporting process for the Dominican Republic. STOLEN ITEMS: Cash SECURED: Not Locked DETAILS: A yacht on a mooring was left unlocked with a large dog on-board while owner was ashore from 8-10 PM. A thief boarded and stole cash but left other items . It is unknown if a police report was made.
If you are, or know this victim, please encourage a complete firsthand report. ID: 2451
DATE: 2020-01-30 01:00 LOCATION: Dominican Republic – Luperon EVENT: Burglary HAND: 2 STOLEN ITEMS: not determined SECURED: Locked DETAILS: Minders of a yacht in Luperon Bay discovered it had been burglarized. The thief had gained entry via the companionway and used tools to defeat/remove the boats locking hardware. No further details are available. ID: 2449
DATE: 2019-12-29 21:00 LOCATION: Dominican Republic – Luperon EVENT: Theft HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: jewellery SECURED: Not Locked DETAILS: A yacht arrived for its first visit in Luperon and took a mooring. They went ashore and completed checkin procedures with Customs and Immigration. They queried the Capitania about any other requirements, and he shrugged. Later, back at the yacht a boat with two uniformed Navy persons with automatic weapons arrived to complete an inspection. They conducted a very thorough investigation and found a key hidden out side and also a jewellery pouch that was well hidden deep in a locker. They completed their report and asked for a “gratuity” and were given a small sum (USD 10) , and they departed.
Later the crew went ashore from 7-10 PM, when they returned to the yacht the door was locked as they had left it, but the crew was unsure if all closed hatches had been locked. Upon entering a sleeping cabin they discovered the jewellery pouch sitting on the bed and open, and all but 2 pieces missing. Left behind was some costume jewellery, everything else had been taken (rings, watches, necklaces, earrings). No other lockers seemed to be disturbed, and no electronics were taken – tablets, camera, TV, printer, router, were all were visible and out.
The crew was understandably concerned about the roles officials may have taken in this theft. They departed the Dominican Republic on good weather a few days later. No police report was made before departure.
CSSN NOTE: The victims have indicated a willingness to complete a police report by email/phone. Stakeholders in Luperon are asked to encourage the correct Police party to contact CSSN at safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com to facilitate this process. ID: 2436
