Oranjestad- Be Careful Where You Park

[KSgirl]

We are here in Aruba on our annual trip (May 26th to June 4th). We love Aruba and have found it to be a very safe, fun island. That being said, we experienced a part of Aruba today that we wish we had not. Today, our jeep was broken into in the parking lot behind the bus station in broad daylight. The person stole over $2,000 worth of scuba gear. After speaking with the police (who do not appear to be competent or care for that matter), we learned that this is very typical for Oranjestad. We proceeded to drive around to locate our bag, offering a cash reward. We found a very impoverished, drug infested area that was literally one block from the Old Fisherman restaurant (where we had lunch while we were being robbed). I recognize that for the first time in 15 years of Caribbean travel that we became too comfortable in Aruba but nonetheless, in the middle of a well used parking lot in broad day light was not what we expected.

Beware to Aruba travelers.

KSgirl
May 29, 2012

[Andrea J.]

that is terrible.

it is a good reminder to warn people that there are unscrupulous thugs everywhere.
so many people let their guard down on vacation and it is unfortunate when bad things happen.

was the scuba gear visible or was it in the trunk out of sight?

pls tell us what causes you to say that the police are incompetent or do not care? you made a written report with them right?

[Theodore]

We are going to Aruba in August it'll be our third trip... yes we to love Aruba but we'll be more careful this time... thank you.

[Andrea J.]

theodore..welcome to the aruba.com community forumQUOTE=Theodore;225918]We are going to Aruba in August it'll be our third trip... yes we to love Aruba but we'll be more careful this time... thank you.[/QUOTE]

[Theodore]

Thank you, I am trying to remember the Aruba greeting... but it's been to long, hot, tough day but will remember it...

[thadius65]

We are coming up on trip number 5 and have never had issues. This is concerning. I hope the Valero refinery closing situation does not make these types of issues worse.

[Andrea J.]

my opinion is that the refinery is a non issue with car breaks in o'staad.

We are coming up on trip number 5 and have never had issues. This is concerning. I hope the Valero refinery closing situation does not make these types of issues worse.

[KSgirl]

The gear was in a black scuba bag in the back of our Jeep with tinted windows. The doors were locked but apparently there are at least a couple of thugs who know how to undue the latches from the outside and are making a living doing so. I do not believe this is a reflection on Aruba as a whole but merely a reminder to all travelers. However, Oranjestad looks very safe and tourist friendly along the water and one block in but as you ride around past that, it is clear that there are crime ridden areas (lots of drugs, men hanging out on corners, unregistered prostitutes, etc.). Definitely an area that no one on Aruba wants tourists to think about and thus, there are no warnings regarding safety in Oranjestad.

The police seemed annoyed at having to write a report and did not try to canvass the area. They took our name and said they would issue a report before we left the island. When my husband asked for a name and contact info, we were told they would get a hold of us. Definitely not a reassuring interaction.

[Cosmo]

I have always found the Police to be extremely pleasant and accomadating. They are well aware of the value of tourism and do try to help vacationers. They work in a differant system than we do. Having said that the chances of getting returned stolen items in NJ is extremely slim. Sorry for your aggravation

[Shnyda]

Words to live by.... "Never leave any valuables in a vehicle, especially in vacation areas" We stayed at a top notch hotel in Maui for our honeymoon and saw 2 cars get broken into in the parking lot.

Stealing valuables out of a car is such an easy, quick crime - you cant really do much to stop it other than not leave anything of real value in a car.

I learned this the hard way years ago when I had a laptop taken from my car in front of my house.