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Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay

Posted By: johngret

Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 06:04 PM

Last night I managed to avoid a car jacking in front of Scotia Bank in Simpson bay.

My son was about yards in front me and there were 3 young Caribbeans sitting in front of the bank.

When my son opened the car door on of the approached him. As soon as he saw me with our dog, he backed off. The 3 of them sat there in silence waiting for our reaction. I managed to take pictures of them and have contacted the local police. As usual, they will pay minimum service whereas they could have had 3 photos to show past car jacking victims.
Such is the life on SXM, flashy police cars, big guns, and armed robberies every night...

Yesterday they tried a youth in court for an armed robbery. He got off with 6 months jail despite it being his 3rd time ...

I have some bad quality photos of the criminals but with the time, you should be able to identify them on Scotia's cameras.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 06:18 PM

Wow.. What time was this? You were attempting to go to the ATM or was the bank still open?
Posted By: johngret

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 06:40 PM

It was 8.30 pm, we just had a drink opposite at the German Restaurant.
Posted By: LBI2SXM

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 07:07 PM

Armed robbery, 6 months!!! 3rd offense!! Some one better get with it on SXM!!!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 07:09 PM

OK, glad it turned out ok for you.
Posted By: boucharda

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 07:18 PM

What, in my mind, is the biggest issue with SXM is the seemingly total casual attitude on crime. This is crime against both visitors and the citizens of the Island.
..When someone calls 911 for help and has the call go unanswered again and again
..when it takes 15 minutes for police to arrive at a robbery scene in a major traffic area
..when the rampant scooter perps have free run of the Island
..when you go to report a crime and are met with obvious apathy...
..when a perp is convicted a third time for a robbery and gets 6 month visit with his friends
..etc.etc.etc

These events will continue to increase because they are easily completed and decently profitable.

Losing the Caribbean feel with new construction projects is one thing ...losing your life or limb to unhindered, unafraid scum is another. There is no reason to have to feel that fear AND know that the authorities could give a rats' azz about it.

Crime happens everywhere but at least make it LOOK like you are trying to control and maybe even prevent it.

My opinion...
Posted By: LBI2SXM

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 07:37 PM

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Lucky13

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 08:04 PM

Couldn't agree more. It sounds to me like St Maarten could benefit from a "broken windows" approach to policing. The scooter drivers' behavior (which could be very easily stopped) especially contributes to the impression that law and order are not a priority.

The stories about unanswered 911 calls and slow police response times are also very concerning. If the government is going to prohibit people from carrying any form of self defense weapon including even pepper spray, then they have a special moral obligation to make sure that the police respond quickly to a call for help, IMO.
Posted By: KGB

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 10:01 PM

Quote
Carol_Hill said:
OK, glad it turned out ok for you.

That sounds just like here in Canada....
Posted By: johngret

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/03/2017 11:22 PM

SXM police only get worried when one of their's is killed. Otherwise they have become experts of never being where they are needed. You never see a police patrol on foot at night.

They stay clear from any dangerous area and make a point of arriving late at a crime scene to ensure that they don't get shot at.

To summarize it, here Police are just a nuisance, no use whatsoever.
Posted By: sxmmm1987

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/05/2017 01:21 PM

John I am so sorry for your horrible incident. Thank God you are ok. My husband and I had a similar incident several years ago in that vicinity. Why do you think it was a carjacking? Couldn't it have been a robbery or other crime?
Posted By: VitaMan

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/05/2017 03:35 PM

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.
Posted By: johngret

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 01:45 AM

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 don’t resist
• Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance
• Don’t 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
Posted By: jollymonsrv

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 05:42 PM

Sorry for your incident. Glad it turned out well BUT a reminder to ALL to be aware of your surroundings at All Times
Posted By: JoeC047

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 08:55 PM

I don't care what the laws are in SXM, I bring my weapon with me!
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 09:00 PM

Are your hands licensed? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: johngret

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 09:14 PM

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.
Posted By: MotownTim

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 09:43 PM

What kind of dog do you have?
Posted By: Lucky13

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 09:50 PM

Quote
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.
Posted By: pat

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/06/2017 10:23 PM

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!
Posted By: jrr1148

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 11:37 AM

Amen. Have been returning to our "Happy Place" annually since 1984 and have also changed our habits. The problems we have seen evolving on SXM seem to be a microcosm of what we have witnessed back in the States. At least we have our memories of the early days, but will keep returning to visit with our island friends.
Posted By: johngret

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 01:15 PM

Exactly!

That was the only purpose of my posting: to warn people so they adapt the right behavior and habits.

The only wrong behavior is to ignore the situation.

"Facts are stubborn" Vladimir Illich Lenin
Posted By: irina

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 03:08 PM

Really John? Maybe it's time to find another island that is not as dangerous. You seem to have great anxiety over SXM.
Quoting Lenin?
Good luck.
cheers
irina
Posted By: Lucky13

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 03:40 PM

Telling the OP to go away after he relayed an experience about being threatened on the island as a warning to others? Nice.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 03:46 PM

I agree with you Lucky13. No place for that here. The OP was just being helpful and informative with the original post.
Posted By: JoeC047

Re: Attempted Car Jacking in Simpson Bay - 03/07/2017 04:01 PM

Johngret, I edited this post for personal reasons!
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