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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: johngret]
#122687
03/03/2017 02:18 PM
03/03/2017 02:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Wow.. What time was this? You were attempting to go to the ATM or was the bank still open?
Carol Hill
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#122688
03/03/2017 02:40 PM
03/03/2017 02:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
johngret
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OP
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Posts: 64
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It was 8.30 pm, we just had a drink opposite at the German Restaurant.
If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. ― George Orwell
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: johngret]
#122697
03/05/2017 11:35 AM
03/05/2017 11:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
VitaMan
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Posts: 185
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Maybe I missed something, but how do you know it was an intended car jacking? Maybe the guy's reason for approaching your son's car was to bum a cigarette from him, or some other innocent reason. If they just sat there in silence after seeing you, that doesn't indicate to me any suspicious activity. I don't necessarily doubt your assessment of the situation, I just feel some facts are missing.
If life dealt you a full house, don't complain you didn't get a royal flush.
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: VitaMan]
#122698
03/05/2017 09:45 PM
03/05/2017 09:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
johngret
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Posts: 64
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The guy waited until my son had unlocked the door and then closed in on him really fast. As soon as he saw us with the dog, he backed off without a word. He then joined the other 2 sitting down and the stared at us waiting for our reaction. As if they were expecting us to challenge them.
Believe me, I spend enough time out at night here to see the difference between a cigarette beggars, dope dealers, drunks, crackheads and so on.
These 3 were well dressed, mid 20's with a definite gang look.
I have a sort of 6th sense for crime that I've developed here, everything I saw spelled car jacking.
I may be wrong, but I'm glad I didn't really find out.
Here are some useful rules that we keep in the car:
Always park in well-lighted areas, if you plan to arrive/leave after dark Don't park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage Use valet parking or an attended garage, if you're a woman driving alone As you walk to your car be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars Ask for a security escort if you are alone at a shopping center Watch out for young males loitering in the area (handing out flyers, etc) If someone tries to approach, change direction or run to a busy store Follow your instincts if they tell you to walk/run away to a busy place As you approach your vehicle, look under, around, and inside your car If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and lock the doors Don't be a target by turning your back while loading packages into the car Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly In the city, always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up When stopped in traffic, leave room ahead to maneuver and escape, if necessary If you are bumped in traffic, by young males, be suspicious of the accident Beware of the Good Samaritan who offers to repair your car or a flat tire. It's okay to get help, just be alert Wave to follow, and drive to a gas station or busy place before getting out If you are ever confronted by an armed carjacker dont resist Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance Dont argue, fight or chase the robber. You can be seriously injured Never agree to be kidnapped. Drop the cars keys and run and scream for help If you are forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection to attract attention so bystanders can come to your aid and call the police Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information
If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. ― George Orwell
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: JoeC047]
#122702
03/06/2017 05:14 PM
03/06/2017 05:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
johngret
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Posts: 64
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A few years ago, a 70 yearold american citizen came to SXM with his gun. He was arrested at the airport and spent his vacation at Pointe Blanche prison, one the worst in the whole Caribbean.
I know what you feel like and it would be good if a few of the S*Bs got shot. I am sure that it would make the think twice.
Maybe SXM gun laws may change and allow citizens tohave guns at home at least. The day they do I'll get a gun.
If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. ― George Orwell
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: johngret]
#122704
03/06/2017 05:50 PM
03/06/2017 05:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 62
Lucky13
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Traveler
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Posts: 62
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johngret said: A few years ago, a 70 yearold american citizen came to SXM with his gun. He was arrested at the airport and spent his vacation at Pointe Blanche prison, one the worst in the whole Caribbean.
I know what you feel like and it would be good if a few of the S*Bs got shot. I am sure that it would make the think twice.
Maybe SXM gun laws may change and allow citizens tohave guns at home at least. The day they do I'll get a gun. If there ever comes a time when I don't feel safe vacationing on SXM even if I use common sense and take reasonable precautions (and without breaking local law by bringing a weapon with me), I will simply stop coming. I hope that day never comes. I start to feel sorry for the locals whose livelihoods will be destroyed if tourism collapses due to crime, but then I remember that if they wanted to, they could vote in leaders who would address the crime problems. Apparently, a majority of them are content with the direction things are headed.
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: johngret]
#122705
03/06/2017 06:23 PM
03/06/2017 06:23 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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With all due respect, you're preaching to the choir, John. For the first 18 to 20 years we visited St. Maarten, a vacation there was a heavenly experience without a thought or an iota of fear but in all honesty, that feature of the island has been slowly diminishing for years to the point of what we have today. There was once a time when it really was "The Friendly Island" but IMHO, those days are sadly done.
If you're planning on visiting you need to do so with both eyes open and a solid awareness that bad things can and often do happen to good people there these days. And that isn't limited to just St. Maarten either.
We have been visiting the island every year at the very least once a year for the last 43 years and we've seen the changes and today we visit with a far different approach than we did in '73 in that we do look over our shoulder; we don't wear jewelry or carry purses or lots of cash; we don't linger in lonely and out of the way places and we are constantly aware of where we are and what's going on around us. And these measures are still no absolute assurance that bad things won't happen.
That said, we do still have a wonderful time each trip enjoying the beautiful beaches, the incredible foods and so many of the warm and friendly islanders we've known for years and we still manage to enjoy ourselves each and every trip.
We know there is an upswing in crime and we recognize the island police department is virtually useless in an immediate emergency. I wish things would get better, but sadly, until they change the laws in many areas, particularly in allowing guns in the hands of those who should legitimately have them - starting with police and guards - and levy stricter fines and serious punishments for those caught and tried and found guilty for committing all kinds of crimes, and lastly, people start parenting their kids responsibly, I don't think we're going to see things get better.
Okay, my soapbox is stowed away for another day!
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay
[Re: johngret]
#122711
03/07/2017 12:01 PM
03/07/2017 12:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572 New Jersey
JoeC047
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572
New Jersey
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Johngret, I edited this post for personal reasons!
Last edited by JoeC047; 03/07/2017 01:22 PM.
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