Home Burglaries in Aruba

[lizzardo]

Here is the article:

http://www.diario.aw/2010/01/e-forma...cion-na-aruba/

[cindyo]

Great article, I hope someone reaches out and helps you further this investigation David.
Best wishes for a quick response from the police.

[hvy747]

Where did you find all the security stuff for your house ??

[kjargaard]

David! Oh my gosh! I just read your story about your burglary in the end of '09! You described exactly what happened to us on February 16th, 2010. We, too, had a "V plate" car sitting in our driveway. We left for dinner and came back about 3 hours later only to find our devastation. We had absolutely no valuables in our home - not even a television, no microwave, certainly no jewelry, and especially no ready cash laying around! The back door was crowbarred open - locks, door knob were destroyed. The person had to work a long time with the crowbar to chisel out the doorframe all the way around the deadbolts! He or she even unplugged an interior security light. The police did respond but also told us not to touch or move anything until the "tactical department" could arrive the next day. A gentleman came out and attempted lifting some prints but said that they were all smudged. The intruder had even removed his or her shirt and left it laying on a boingo bag that we have for storage. The police took the shirt with them. We feel there is no hope to find this person. We are in the Casibari area. My neighbor who lives and works on the island was invaded last summer. A home directly across from us in the cul de sac has been robbed twice. I just don't know what to do to feel safe! I often travel to the island alone to stay in my home. Now I'm even afraid to do that. Alas!

[Retagger]

Hello Alas,

I am sorry to hear that you too were a victim of a burglary while at your own home in Aruba. It seems that there still is a major issue with burglaries and the majority, all seem to have several things in common as I have outlined in previous emails such as:

Ø The burglaries that are occurring seem to be tourists that own homes in Aruba.
Ø Victims of the burglaries rented cars (The rental cars in Aruba all have stickers and advertisements stating the vehicles to be rentals. The license plate also indicates it is a rental by the letter "V".) The advertising on rental cars in the United States is now illegal because a tourist was targeted and killed in Florida several years ago. There is no valid reason for this advertising to continue in Aruba and have tourists targeted for crime.
Ø Families left their homes around 7pm for dinner and returned back around 10pm to find their homes burglarized.
Ø Entry was first attempted through a rear door


I have since lost ALL faith in the police department in solving this crime or even preventing similar crimes from occurring.

I have written to the Diario newspaper in Aruba and they have printed my story. I had hoped that this would make the police department do a through investigation – this has not happened. In fact, I have not had ANY contact from the police department in several months even though I write to them every few weeks for a status report on my burglary.

I have also written many times to Maritza Lacle and several of her co-workers of the Aruba Tourism Authority. At first, she seemed interested since I have outlined that crimes were being committed against tourists while in Aruba (Refer to above). She has since ignored my emails and it now appears that the ATA does not want to take a stance on the issues.

The only thing that you can do Alas is to install a security system – get the best that you can afford. Get friendly with you neighbors and keep in touch with them when you are not in Aruba.

At the time of my burglary, I did not have a security system. At this time, I have a system with many different layers of security. I have perimeter sensors, outdoor infrared beams, electronic security gates, window sensors, indoor motion sensors, internet security cameras, etc.

Regards,

[lizzardo]

Not sure that this works but I have heard that people staying at houses here often tell the rental car agency they are staying at a hotel. Just in case
there is anything going on there.....

I am extremely lucky as the place I live has had no robberies in the area
I know of. But all our neighbors watch out for each other and a lot
of people live here full time.

[cindyo]

I think its a darn shame that homeowners/car rental people are being targeted in aruba. Nothing like looking forward to enjoying all of your hard earned money on a vacation home there and being robbed . I am sorry to hear that another victim had to come forward. David, I don't blame you for loosing faith.
The govt. needs to step in now and have those V plates changed.

[kjargaard]

So! What can we do together considering there is safety in numbers? Who do we approach to begin a campaign to make changes - such as getting rid of the V plate? I'm in, if there is a leader in the group of those robbed, burglarized, and invaded! I'll be returning to the island in April. I will be installing an alarm system at that time. If my home is not in one piece when I get there, I will be putting it on the market!

[kjargaard]

Can anyone give me some tips about a good alarm/security company? I understand that there is an alarm that uses no home phone - since I don't have one of those! Thank you much! I appreciate any info shared.

[JerseyGirl715]

Wow I am shocked. I just joined this forum and I am very disappointed. My husband and I were thinking of buying a home in Aruba when we retire. Not sure if we want to do it now. What areas are getting the burgularies. Just curious and doing my homework for the future. Thanks