[PUP] Thefts in St. Martin

[Patrik Kinander]

Hi.
My name is Patrik Kinander. I'm a live aboard in St.Martin since 2002.
We are living and working here, but cruise up and down the islands
when we get the time for it.

I'm Swedish so please excuse my grama.

I would say from a lot of cruising up and down the island chain that
the theft in St.Martin/St.Maarten is far less then in any other
island. Most of my friends doesn't lock there dingy, not even when
going ashore. And most of my friends doesn't lock there boats. During
all the years we been here I have had ONE friend who lost his dingy. A
brand new AB with a new 15 hp Yamaha. It was unlocked at the time,
tied to his boat. I don't know anyone who had a break in into there
boats. We have so far never locked our boat.

I have heard about some dingy thefts, and some breakin. And of course
we have our share of robberys when you are ashore. But, still, last
year when we visit Grenada there was atleast one break in per night
into boats at anchor in St. George. In St.Lucia there has been several
armed robbery on boats at anchor, something I not even heard about
here etc.

My point is that St.Martin/Maarten is still in my humble opinion one
of the safest islands to visit. I still think that the crimes that is
happening is not taken seriously  enough by the authority and it's
good to bring it up.