Caught in the act - beach bag theft

My family is on on VG this week and having a great time! Yesterday, however, my daughter was on little trunk beach, and saw a guy in camouflage pants crawl out of the bushes and make a slow reach for a beach bag. Before he touched it they made eye contact and he slowly retreated. The owner was snorkeling, and she let them know. Reminded us to be a little more careful with our stuff! That's our small blip in this fantastic vacation.

Someone we know on the board got 1200 bucks and thier cameras lifted at spring bay 5 days ago.

Who takes 1200 dollars to the beach?
G

Your daughter should be thankful she was there and prevented the theft, as opposed to treating this as a 'blip' in your vacation. She prevented someone else from having a REALLY bad day.

I agree with George--why is someone taking that much cash to the beach anyway? We take as little as possible. There are quite a few solutions for more secure beach bags, including the Kyss bags. http://www.kyssbags.com/

Why i did not name them.

And no, it wasn't our party.

My experience sadly is the local police in the BVI will place little or no importance on theft crimes against visitors. It's not a priority and besides the thief probably needed the money or he would not steal.
G

Do you own one of these Carol?

Don't worry folks, I am on this one. I think I know who it is.

Actually, I don't. We never take anything of value to the beach. However, this subject is discussed a LOT on the SXM board. Here is a thread discussing beach security.

Great Nick!!! The safety of belongings on uncrowded beaches needs to continue to be something on which one can nearly rely on VG...though still take prudent precautions. It is what makes it our island home and a comfortable spot for many to let down a bit and enjoy.

Hopefully it can be resolved/stopped with a stern conversation from Nick

That said, I don't bring valuables to any beach, no matter how safe I think it is, especially if I'm going to be paddle boarding or snorkeling. Don't lock them in the car either. Just leave them in the safe at "home base".

Felix

That is certainly the safest course, no matter where you are..

So, Nick or other locals, I have a question.....Not pretending to be a tough guy or anything, but, if I see a guy on Tortola stealing my stuff and I kick the living daylights out of him, knowing the police will do nothing, would those same police do anything to me? Just curious.

Yes..buy drugs and they'll bust you and let the dealer go free..sadly this happens in CGB and in Apple Bay..beat the snot out of a bad guy and you'll pay the price..be smart and avoid the initial confrontation..

I suspect you know the answer.....last year I had another traveler threaten to kick my A$$ at Saba Rock because I accidently sprayed him with a water cannon during the first annual TTOL Pub Crawl .....he bumped me with his chest (so he was in my face) and kept threatening me verbally....I just looked him in the eye(s) and under my breath, so only he could hear I kept saying "you don't want to do this" "you don't want to go there"....luckily his friends dragged him off to the side. Again.....as you said...not trying to sound like a bad a$$ either, but....after retiring from the military and many years as a Marine....I could have broken his windpipe with no thought.....but...I know I would have been the one looking at time in her Majesty's prison....so I was satisfied to just smile and walk away. Possibly locals can chime in, but.....based on everything I have read....unless your life is in danger.....I would keep your superhero a$$ kicking self in your hip pocket!

Well said Stoney, I know I always feel safe when you are around. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Ah...dear old Mike....we had a "cease fire" this year whenever approaching docks, Stoney...we knew you were not there to defend us <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Now....NEXT year.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />