A cautionary tale, especially for returners

I've debated whether or not to share this, primarily because A) it can happen anywhere and I don't want to see Negril unfairly disparaged and B) I am reluctant to expose myself to the victim-blaming that goes on on message boards.

I'm not going to tell you which hotel we were at because that's not part of the story, but the hotel is respectable and has responded appropriately.

With all of that in mind-here goes:

We are multi-year returners to Negri to and like most everyone, develop favorite hotels, restaurants, drivers, etc. That's as it should be, because it adds to our overall enjoyment- we don't pretend to "know" people in a really personal way, but we've developed fond business relationships with them. On Wednesday, February 26, our hotel room was broken into while we were sleeping and we were robbed of about $2000 in electronics, phones, cash, and other important items. Why we had these items with us on vacation is simple-- we have demanding jobs and checking in on vacay is a necessary trade-off for extended vacation time.

We had had an early evening, ate dinner in our room and were asleep by about 10 pm. About midnight, my husband woke up with an upset stomach, checked the time on his Ipad and stepped onto the balcony for some air. After a while, he returned to bed and closed the patio door but did not lock it because the spring-loaded bolt mechanism makes a lot of noise and I was sleeping. When he woke at 5:30, he discovered that all of our items had been stolen-two Ipads, two cellphones, my kindle, his watch, my small beach purse, his backpack, etc. We later discovered that there was video of the thieves and that they were going from room to room looking for access- our balcony door and one other just happened to be open on this particular evening. Had he not felt ill, we would have had two closed and locked doors, so it's important to remember to be always vigilant, even if you are on the third floor. On the video, you can clearly see the thieves (a man and a woman) putting the items into his backpack, so we feel fairly confident it's not an inside job. We were unharmed, which is fortunate, and they were armed, but we did not find that out until the next day. The other guest who was robbed woke up while they were in his room, chased them outside the property and confronted them, when the man pulled out a knife and made his escape.

There are a lot of additional details, but the security firm employed by the hotel does bear the greatest liability here- there are 14 video cameras on the property and yet the robbers were onsite for more than 20 minutes according to the time stamp. They were clearly not paying attention.

We are still dealing with the fallout- replacing these items takes a lot of effort and we're fortunate that we have replacement coverage on our homeowners insurance, but it's a pain in the ass. On the other hand, we did sleep through it, so we were spared the trauma of waking during the robbery. I described it to my friend as a sort of "reverse Santa".

We carry a theft-proof bag that we use when we leave the hotel- but we don't lock things up when we're in the room. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but give some thought to your safety, especially for those who are familiar with Jamaica, because it's easy to be complacent in the place that you love. One small oversight was very costly for us, even though we are very careful people.

I'm not sure whether we will return or not, and that's not a decision that we have to make right now. Take from this what you will, and enjoy your travels.

Sadie

Jesus Christ. This is getting ridiculous. Never seen such a rash of thievery in my life. This is very upsetting. A big turnoff.

Why do these people always steal from tourists???

Because tourists have stuff to steal - doesn't make it right.... Sorry to hear about your experience.

Thank you for sharing, Sadiekat. It's a darn shame.

Being on an upper floor has given me a false sense of security at night. I will remember to lock my balcony doors better!!
Better safe than sorry.

That's pretty unnerving having someone come into the room while you are sleeping.

I'm glad no one got hurt!

It was, especially considering that all of my items were on the nightstand, less than 2 feet from my head. It's not as bad as you might think, though, because there's no direct connection between the event and the loss. I'm glad we slept through it, it would have freaked me out to have been awake and had a confrontation. My wedding rings are always on my hand, and my finger is still attached, so we're good there. Funny, I wear almost exclusively sterling silver jewelry, and there were a couple of pairs of earrings and a silver ring on the nightstand-they were not taken.

This is terrible to hear. Sorry you had to go through this.

Just to confirm - where you and the other victim on the ground floor or an upper floor? We always try to stay on an upper floor because we like the view. However, the way I see some Jamaicans climb the cliffs, makes me think that they can scale any building like Spiderman. I always try to lock the doors - even on a private balcony - but will be more vigilant from now on.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

Why do these people always steal from tourists???

---

Well, that's obvious, Gerry. Why do they always creep around when people are sleeping? Someone is going to get killed one of these days and it might be the thief. Not that this is the case with you, Sadie, but no doubt tourists are being watched to see their comings and goings, who has been drinking too much, etc. Maybe in some instances, security is being paid off to "turn the other way." Would be nice to know where you stayed, so it doesn't happen to someone else. Sorry you had to go through this. Yuck!

We were on the third floor, and the hotel name is not important-this happened to them, too. Until we saw the videotape, my husband thought someone was in fact watching our room. It was random.

Yeah,whatever you do DONT tell us the hotel name. If I was in NYC and this happened I wouldn't hesistate ONE second to tell the name? I just don't get it.

So,if I eat at a restaurant and get very sick,we can speak about but do not tell the name of the restaurant????

I wonder if there is Another victim in the same hotel next week,same room maybe and you never told us the name.

I don't get it.

Sorry this happened to you. It is definitely a good lesson for all of us. We have stayed on upper floors and not locked our balcony door. Won't be doing that anymore!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sadiekat

We were on the third floor, and the hotel name is not important-this happened to them, too. Until we saw the videotape, my husband thought someone was in fact watching our room. It was random.

---

Sorry to hear of this happening to you and, I agree that the hotel name is not important to divulge. When you concentrate the wealth in an area like Negril hotels, you are going to have robberies. Locks are made to keep your friends out because a burglar will do whatever it takes to get to your stuff and even arm themselves if necessary. At least you were not harmed personally and that is what really matters.

It is important that you don't paint all of Jamaica with a broad brush concerning future visits. In 30+ years of travel to Jamaica, I have been robbed twice. Once of my wallet in the Kingston Bus Yard by a pickpocket and another time by a break in at a less-than-desirable guesthouse in Port Antonio. Both occurred more than 20 years ago and I just make better decisions now (I think).

There are plenty of places around Jamaica where you can have a great time and be very secure at the same time. The problem with Security Cameras is that they are mostly "after the fact" devices as almost no properties pay a person to watch them 24/7.

Again, sorry for your loss and I hope you don't give up on Jamaica.

Peace and Guidance

Thanks for the heads up... I will def be vigilant about locking up. So sorry this happened

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Accompong

When you concentrate the wealth in an area like Negril hotels, you are going to have robberies.

---

I respectfully disagree. When staying somewhere, especially as a female solo traveler or someone traveling with children, excellent security would be my #1 priority in a motel. If a motel can't provide that, I would never stay there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NikkiB

Because tourists have stuff to steal - doesn't make it right.... Sorry to hear about your experience.

---

I agree with Nikki. How so terribly frightening and sorry this happened to you! Thank God nobody was HURT! While on my trip February 15, my girlfriend and her husband were staying at Rondel. My friend is very streetwise and has been traveling too Negril for years, however two days before I arrived-she decided to go take a Sunset walk while her husband was in the shower-got lost in the moment of taking pictures with her iPhone-some guy jumped out at her stole her iPhone by knifepoint, the police were called and a report was filed thank God she was not hurt, until this day she is kicking herself in the butt because she knew better not to be doing what she did. You can never let down your guard while traveling traveling-thats why when ever I travel anywhere I keep everything locked up even while I'm sleeping. I just hate these scumbag thieves!!!

Deanna, where on her walk did this happen? Sadiekat, thank you for sharing ur horrible experience, we all benefit from ur post...

Hmmmm Rondel....... Did anybody look at previous posts for Sadiekat. It doesn't take much to figure it out. Just saying because I agree with Fred on this. It needs to be told. Maybe if it is the hotel will do better with security.

I sort of thought Rondel, given the 3rd floor and spring loaded locks on patio doors...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maryann

I respectfully disagree. When staying somewhere, especially as a female solo traveler or someone traveling with children, excellent security would be my #1 priority in a motel. If a motel can't provide that, I would never stay there.

---

I certainly understand that you would want as much security as humanly possible. My only point is that there have been stories here all the time about Security Guards who were patrolling and could not prevent a burglary and even the most expensive hotels have an occasional burglary (sometimes and "inside job" and sometimes a person not supposed to be on the property).

I still think you can't stop all the burglaries regardless of the measures taken to prevent them.

I guess that is why some don't get reported because the people are too ashamed to admit it happened to them or shocked when it does happen and there was (what they thought) sufficient security only to learn that it was just an illusion of security.

Again, I respect your feelings and I still think it can happen anywhere at any time.

Peace and Guidance

No this did not happen at Rondel-she felt very safe there and the security is very good as well- she walked out of Rondel towards Rooms taking a sunset stroll on the beach while husband was in the shower

thanks Deanna. U do feel secure at Rondel, they have security front and back... Some are speculating however, this robbery took place at Rondel... Rondel runs a professional operation, they seem to care deeply about their reputation and their guests... And if this did happen on their property, I'm sure they aren't happy about it...

Well I'm just relieved to hear that Sadiekat was not harmed...

Did they have to climb the outside of the building to get to the third story balcony or was there stairway access?

I'm wondering if there has been a steady increase of theft in Negril in just the past few years. It sure seems like it's getting worse, and I am indeed factoring in the advent of the Net. I would say more than half of tourists friends that visit regularly have been victimized. If I didn't love the place so darn much I would go to Cancun or Hawaii. But I guess I'm willing to risk it, plus be extra careful. Let's all watch out for each other where we can, folks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by negril#1fan

thanks Deanna. U do feel secure at Rondel, they have security front and back... Some are speculating however, this robbery took place at Rondel... Rondel runs a professional operation, they seem to care deeply about their reputation and their guests... And if this did happen on their property, I'm sure they aren't happy about it...

---

I think most properties have security front and back. That is 2 people covering a large property who would have to have eyes in the back of their head too! Not blaming the property. It could happen anywhere. Also not really speculating as she mentioned where she was staying in a previous post.

criminals got all day to figure it out.....

spring loaded 3rd floor balcony doors, that are noisy to shut and lock did it for me...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

I'm wondering if there has been a steady increase of theft in Negril in just the past few years. It sure seems like it's getting worse, and I am indeed factoring in the advent of the Net. I would say more than half of tourists friends that visit regularly have been victimized. If I didn't love the place so darn much I would go to Cancun or Hawaii. But I guess I'm willing to risk it, plus be extra careful. Let's all watch out for each other where we can, folks.

---

I think crime is happening more and more because us tourist have more stuff that we bring- iPhones laptops cameras.. However that is no excuse to be robbed

I was going to ask about Rondel. I hope it was not there being thats where we have been staying there over the years, i was taken back a bit this reach to find out they they sub contracted their security at night. I did not like the change at all , I just felt the long time staff had better reasons to make sure thay had great security. We had no problems being on the ground floor sharing a villa with my brother and his wife, but we were very diligent making sure all was locked up whether it was day or night and we were only down to bar ect. on property . If no one was going to be in the room we locked it up.We love Rondel so was bit upset at the security change but then again we don't knoiw where this happened and it could happen anywhere including home.

im glad to hear it was not Rondel either , but I still don't like the security being done by a different party

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

Jesus Christ. This is getting ridiculous. Never seen such a rash of thievery in my life. This is very upsetting. A big turnoff.

Why do these people always steal from tourists???

---

Why do people rob banks? Because thats where the money is.

these are room invasions while the occupants are in the room and the thief is armed..... It one thing to have ur stuff taken, its a whole different ballgame when someone is in ur room armed while u are in the room.... A serious problem that needs serious attention....

It is not the most fun but locking things up whether in Boston, NYC, LA of Jamaica is the only way to increase odds in your favor..safes can and will be broken but when you are marked they are looking for the easiest grab possible

Friend of mine was robbed last week. She was having dinner at a friends house. The thief opened her unlocked truck door which was parked in the driveway, rummaged through and found her wallet in the glove box and took it. 6 hours later her bank account was empty and her credit card was maxed out...in rural Alaska...population nothing. Happens here too, same **** different place.
We'll be in Negril for the first time in about 10 days of so. I'm more worried about leaving my home empty than being robbed in JA.
Sorry your stuff was taken.

This is why I travel with two Pac Safes - a larger one and a smaller one. Larger one for laptop/tablet (if I have them with me which I usually don't in JA), the smaller one for wallet/cash, phone. Always lock stuff up day and night if it is not in my possession wherever I travel, not just JA. Just remember anything can happen anywhere in the world.

I think a lot of us are making a mistake saying when and where we will be staying on the meet up threads. From Sadiekat's previous post it is clear when they were arriving and departing and where they were staying. They apparently got robbed just before the vacation ended which seems to happen often. I won't be giving my exact info any more. Maybe Rondel has to look at the change they made in security.

So sorry this happened to you. As a female traveling alone, I will definitely be alert at all times.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe

I think a lot of us are making a mistake saying when and where we will be staying on the meet up threads. From Sadiekat's previous post it is clear when they were arriving and departing and where they were staying. They apparently got robbed just before the vacation ended which seems to happen often. I won't be giving my exact info any more. Maybe Rondel has to look at the change they made in security.

---

totally agree with this! and yes folks are watching you --- i've had people tell me what i did every day of my trip and what clothes i was wearing -- and yes it usually happens toward the end of your trip --- so there's not enough time to do anything about it (not like that would really help)

IMHO - the thieves target folks they know have something to steal --- i wouldn't be a bit surprised if that door was closed - how would the thieves be able to see otherwise from the ground to the third floor - do you think thieves "go shopping" - part of the thing is quick in and out

and those on-site trip reports - well you're advertising you have a computer at a minimum and almost your every move

This is an unfortunate incident and I'm sorry this happened.
What I don't understand, is why we are "covering up" the name of the hotel? As a paying customer, you are paying for your saftey and security and peace of mind when you sleep at night. After all you are on vacation and this is one of the things you expect. So, contrary to those who feel they need to protect the hotel, I feel it's more important to protect the vacationing, paying tourist. AND it IS the responsibility of the hotel to ensure they have competant security, so if they are failing in this area, people need to know. I, for one, will not stay in a hotel with sketchy security , this is a priority, and should be for everyone. Who do we think we are helping , on this "travel information board" if we keep covering up the truth here.The hotel is at fault and if some bad publicity affects their business, so be it. Maybe they need to make some changes. Come on people...wake up and keep it real.