A cautionary tale, especially for returners

[Fred Stripe]

I just returned yesterday from the hotel mentioned. Woke up to a thief in the room (as he was going out the door). I yelled "Hey", he took off running toward Norman Manley but then cut back down to the beach through the next property. My friend yelled for security and ran toward the beach. He reached the front as the thief passed the gate. He described him as a young man (early 20's) with short dreads tied back in a knot armed with a knife. Although he was then pursued by Security, he got away. The Security at the beach was asleep when my friend reached there -- not sure where the one was at the Security shack, as the thief passed there before he cut back to the beach. Only lost an IPhone and a bottle of perfume in the whole thing. However, I have stayed at the same place for years and have the same concerns about the "rent-a-cops" on the night shift as well as the amount of time the thief was on the property checking for open rooms. I also think that the hotel needs to update the lock system, so that the door knob always remains locked from the outside. Also, the use of the rental security company needs to be re-examined in my opinion.

And you & the original victim STILL refuse to name the hotel you both Love so much???

Screw it then,you both got what you deserved. Hey Sadiecat,,if you got robbed Again, would you still hide the name???Thanks for the non heads up/heads up.

When I get a taxi driver who rips me off I will Not tell you his name so maybe he rips you off TOO?

[Shaggy]

for 2 theifs to stay that long on the property it had to be an inside job thru the security. The resort better fire that security firm at once,. its pretty sad when the security is asleep on the job, or pretending to be asleep . I'm hoping that this resort is reading this . They will loose business if they continue with this security outfit.

[original spanky]

Very easy to find out what the hotel is.

[Bnewb]

One questions,,,one Big question........Show me an article in the Gleaner,the local paper where ANYONE was Ever arrested for robbing a tourist??
Your'e on your own folks. Yes there is crime everywhere,more crime actually in US but UM Lots more police.Lots more actual Arrests?

If someone stole your iphone, computer, purse etc from your home or car would the fact that they were caught be reported in your newspaper back home? It's just not newsworthy...unless it's a high profile case or a really slow news day....
They do get caught and it appears to be more often than you think.

If this did happen on the property we stayed at on the beach then its quite disturbing because as i said earlier, I did not like the fact they they sub contracted their security out. I trusted the staff since iv known them for a long time now. We may as much as it hurts stay at a different location next reach if they are still sub contracting their security out.

By law they are required to hire a licensed & bonded security company.

[jar77]

[QUOTE=Bnewb;130278]If someone stole your iphone, computer, purse etc from your home or car would the fact that they were caught be reported in your newspaper back home? It's just not newsworthy...unless it's a high profile case or a really slow news day....
They do get caught and it appears to be more often than you think.

Obvious and so right.

Apparently some would like a daily crime and punishment update from the Carribean on their local US news.....Breaking News Crime in Our Town is at an all time low but thieves are at it again in Jamaica, Cuba and the US Virgin Islands more information after the sports weather and the traffic update.

[sunluvinlaurie]

[QUOTE=Sadiekat;130249]One clarification- I'm not 'protecting' the hotel. The fact that it happened at X resort, or Y Rooms or Zbeach makes no difference. My post is not *about* any one hotel- the point of my sharing this with you all is a PSA to everyone to remember to always lock your doors and take care for your belongings. If you focus on just one hotel, it becomes "oh, this will never happen to me because I stay at ....", instead of "crap, this happens everywhere".

I feel these are wise words from Sadiekat. We all are passionate about businesses we frequent in Jamaica. As someone who has stayed many times at Rondel (assuming that is the hotel where this happened based on comments read here) I appreciate the head's up but I also know that it can, will, and does happen at many properties - everywhere.

I propose each of us speaks to hotel management where we stay - let them know we are aware of the thefts that are reported online and that the press they receive on travel sites can greatly affect their business. As repeat customers we have some credence with management and perhaps we can impress on them the importance of taking quick and decisive actions to protect first of all their guests, but also their reputation. Maybe we can make a difference!

[negril#1fan]

At home, robberies rarely happen inside hotel rooms, while the occupants are present, even if door is left ajar.... Home invasions, robberies, when the people are home are rare and dangerous..... Thiefs look for no one home.... Armed robbers entering rooms while occupants are inside is an explosive, dangerous situation... Its a crime on a whole different level.....

[negril#1fan]

Given Rondel's reputation and professionalism, Rondel is now probably the safest place to stay, given this event....

[Accompong]

Some people just thrive on other people's misfortune and want more "dirty laundry" to be aired. The same people who look for blood at an accident scene. They smell blood in the water.

Again, just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

[oceanbeachsky]

Instead of everyone being so squeamish and worried action should be taken by tourist against these bad types that prey on innocent victims. I'm basically a passive individual but if someone messes with my family or my stuff they'll have to suffer consequences. Instead of running and hiding in fear let's take out one or more of these thieves. I'm watching and waiting for something like this to happen to me. I can assure you the post that follow won't read like what I am reading here. I'm not preaching violence but lets face it we all want to read the post of the tourist who beat down the Jamaican thief and maybe cut off a finger or 2 of the would be criminal. I can assure you if we can instill fear into to these low life's, crimes like these would be reduced. I remember once catching a thief trying to break into my room at the beachcomber. After personally chasing him off the property because I was unable to find security in time. Their advise was I should have beat them down. Great! yeah mon, no problem. Examples have to be made and a would be thief will think twice about whose room they are entering. Better not be mine!