Caribbean Safety and Security Net
Know Before You Go
Part of the Greater Antilles
DATE: 2016-11-03
Country Name: Dominican Republic
Location Detail: Luperon
EVENT: Burglary
Stolen Items: Laptop, iPhone, Iridium satellite phone and other items
SECURED: Locked
DETAILS: While the crew was ashore during the evening, a swimmer broke in through a hatch and stole a laptop, iPhone, Iridium satellite phone and other items. The thief used a plastic storage box from the yacht to carry away the goods. A police report was made.
DATE: 2016-06-25
Country Name: Dominican Republic
Location Detail: Samana
EVENT: Attempted theft
Stolen Items: None
SECURED: Locked
DETAILS: A cruiser was awakened during the night by the sound of a small boat bumping against the hull. He yelled out then grabbed a spotlight and went on deck to investigate. The dinghy was on davits and locked to the yacht, but now had an empty canoe tied to its bow. The boat and surrounding area were searched with lights, no one was found, and nothing was missing.
The following morning the Navy stopped by to retrieve the canoe and inform the cruiser that they had picked up a soaking wet man onshore the previous night. Apparently the thief was looking for an outboard/dinghy to steal and he was interrupted, and jumped into the water and swam to shore rather than risk a confrontation. A report was made to the Port Captain.
DATE: 2014-12-07 02:00
Country Name: Dominican Republic
Location Detail: Boca Chica
EVENT: Robbery
Stolen Items: cash
SECURED: Unknown
DETAILS: At 0200 hrs the only cruising yacht at Marina ZarPar (mooring) was boarded by 2 individuals with knives. They threatened the crew and demanded cash, which they took, leaving the crew uninjured before jumping overboard to escape. Radio calls to the CG and Marina went unanswered. A report was made to the marina the next day.
DATE: 2014-12-11 01:30
Country Name: Dominican Republic
Location Detail: Boca Chica
EVENT: Attempted Robbery
Stolen Items: none -unsuccessful (attempted) armed robberyi
SECURED: Not Locked
DETAILS: At 0130 hrs 3 swimmers were heard boarding an occupied vessel on a Marina ZarPar mooring. The crew immediately secured the companionway, were prepared with a machete and were able to repel the boarders when they broke in thru the companionway and threatened with knives. Boarders jumped over and swam away. Boat alarms sounded and police were summoned. 1 individual was detained but then released. No injuries were reported. Marina ZarPar management reports that a radio has now been provided to security staff and night patrols stepped up. (see prior incident 7 December 2014)
DATE: 2015-02-18 21:07
Country Name: Dominican Republic
Location Detail: Luperon
EVENT: Burglary
Stolen Items: All tools being used for repairs. Along with small solar panels and anything else of perceived value including the new wiring loom being cut out.
SECURED: Locked
DETAILS: The vessel was boarded twice possibly three times over a few of days. Other local sailors did not think it important to make a report to your site. However I let anyone know who would listen just as a warning, I wish I had been aware of your site before now. Thank you for your time running your site. Not reported to authorities.
CSSN Note: Reporting is important to other cruisers and law enforcement, who would like to have information about crime against yachts in the Caribbean so they can factor the information into their risk assessments. Also if it is not reported to authorities, it is as if it didn’t happen. No resources can ever be applied, because there is no data upon which to base resource allocation by law enforcement. Reporting helps us all. If you can offer ways for CSSN to make reporting more, better or different, please contact us!