Normally, CSSN does not report “land crimes” against yachties, unless they occur in areas like marinas, or port offices. However, in the spirit of “Know Before You Go!” we want to share a recently received report from a Canadian flagged yacht that had visited Puerto La Cruz (PLC), Venezuela. They had several unexpected events happen to them during their recent 1-month stay:
During the daytime, while on their motorbike and stopped at a stoplight near the Plaza Mayor shopping mall, they were “detained” by a policeman who demanded their passports and then cash. They pretended not to understand when threatened with fines and imprisonment. Eventually, their passports were returned and they departed.
Days later while traveling by motorbike to the gym at 8:30 AM they were quickly surrounded and stopped by 7 men on 5 motorbikes. They were then threatened with 2 handguns and told to surrender the motorbike, which they did. The thieves departed with the motorbike. This was a well planned/practiced motorbike hijacking. The police expressed little surprise or interest when a report was filed.
When passing Plaza Mayor by taxi (after reporting the motorbike theft) the same policeman recognized the cruisers and stopped their taxi, and demanded their passports and insisted they follow him back to the same police station where they filed their report about the armed motorbike hijacking. At the police station the cruisers loudly insisted on consulting with their consular officials, and the “chief” returned their passports. The policeman then insisted the reported theft was a scam and threatened that “next time it will be my station and my chief”. [As a general precaution CSSN advises that you generally not carry your passport on your person – only a photocopy. If you are detained or asked to follow to a police station, when possible immediately notify others of your situation]
Their yacht was burglarized during their stay for work on the hard at a “secure” facility, (see related NEWS item dated 6 November 2013 for more details) and finally,
After departing PLC and arriving at Playa Caldera, Isla Tortuga, they were roused from sleep when they were boarded at 11pm by 7 Guardia Costas, who did not identify or announce themselves or ask for permission before boarding. The Guardia then harassed the cruisers and inspected the boat, and demanded “radio papers”. The crew observed that the men seemed “high or maybe drunk”. Eventually the Guardia departed to inspect the 2 other yachts that had traveled together as buddy boats.
Always remember to Lock it or Lose it, and Know Before You Go !