Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Noonsite: Caribbean, Southern Windward Islands

From Noonsite:
Caribbean, Southern Windward Islands - Burglaries during Dinner Hour

Extra Caution/Awareness Suggested
Over the last 2 months, several reports have been received from yachts in the Southern Windwards who have been burgled whilst ashore for dinner.

The Caribbean Safety & Security Net reports that there has been speculation that, in certain anchorages, someone watches from shore to see which boats are vacated during the dinner hour and those boats are then targeted.

This is not a new phenomenon but four in one month is a record (as reported to the Caribbean Safety & Security Net in May). Yachts visiting those anchorages where this seems to be a frequent occurrence should consider leaving someone on board or leaving lights and/or a radio/CD player running, or anchoring farther from shore. It goes without saying that conversations about going out to dinner (or leaving the boat for any reason) should not take place on the VHF radio.

Anchorages include:

Bequia: Princes Margaret Beach
Mayreau: Salt-Whistle Bay
St Vincent: Wallilabou Bay
St Vincent: Blue Lagoon
St Vincent: Young Island

Note: An important aspect of your overall security measures is contained in the last sentence of the main body - what former-military types would call 'OpSec' or Operational Security. Basically, not broadcasting to the world your intentions.

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