TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Chain Snatchers Arrested

Good stuff-it's kind of sad when you have to leave your jewellery in the safe while on the island

Guess we will have to start wearing padlocks on our chains! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Yes, it really is sad. It appears now that this type of crime is worse on SXM than any of the other islands we recently visited. Many tourists are getting concerned so the island really needs to do something about this or business will be affected soon. Cuba is going to be big competition in the future as it is a very safe island.

I only take my jewellery to SXM because we go to Fld afterwards-othewrwise I'd just leave it at home.

It seems to me that chain snatching has been the national sport of SXM for the twenty years that I have been going there.

Why not just wear costume jewelry?

And that could possibly be inviting danger.

It is sad that people just wanting to look nice are inviting danger. I know that my wife doesn't wear even the jewelry that she does at home because of this.

It's long overdue for the government to do something about this. The government needs to recognize that personal crimes of this nature are crimes against every single business on the island because the victims often never return to the island - with their tourism dollars - and most likely they will tell their friends at home of the crime..resulting in even more loss of tourism dollars.
SXM...more than any other in the world depends totally on tourism and if the government really started to notice this they would change the sentencing for these type of crimes to reflect the terrible loss they cause..maybe even to the point where severe sentencing would become a deterrent.

There are probably more of these types of crimes committed against locals than tourists when it comes to the chain grabbing.

I hear what you're saying and unfortunately, it's the same song so many have been singing for too many years. But the thing is, for every person who won't return there are ten who will take their places. This kind of crime isn't high priority to the islands already thinly spread forces, but it sure is good to learn at least a few of the perps are off the streets for however long it may be. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Despite what people say, the govt and police are doing something about it. They caught these guys and have implemented bike patrols that are very effective in catching these types of criminals. No govt or police force can stop all crime but they do what they can.

I agree and do think the island is being more proactive with regards to crime but just like here in the US, you are not going to stop it all.

Just had a mass execution-style killing of 8 related family members in rural southern OH. Sad and tragic and much worse than one would ever expect.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Bob--that is true, they do seem to be catching some of these people, at least. I see stories in the DH with a decent amount of frequency, where they have caught some bad guys. They do need a LOT more money though, to do an even better job.

I think ruralcarrier has a good point that probably more locals are being targeted as a lot of the locals are wearing more gold than some of the tourists. I've never been uncomfortable wearing my more expensive jewelery purchased there but now I'm having second thoughts. Didn't realize that was an issue in SXM. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Everyone still wants to be Mr T.

I was on a cruise in 2000 and ported in Antigua. Just as we left the pier, the woman ahead of me had her necklace torn off by a thief who ran away. No police around and no one responded to her screams.

I was on a cruise once when a crew at the gangway told my friend to leave her gold chain in our cabin or they would be snatched-can't recall the island but it wasn't SXM. This was probably 15 yrs ago.

I think the Police do a bang up job . Kudos !!!!...more money budgeted toward crime prevention ( CCTV ) will only increase their performance record.