Daylight break in.

[Phil]

We had a disturbing break in this afternoon at our Vacation Rental. Our guests left the house for an hour at midday. There are ten of them in the group and they have been coming and going all week, together, seperately, in different small groups - basically at random times for random lengths of time. One of them inadvertantly left a door at the rear of the Downstairs unlocked as they thought someone else was still in. This is not visible from any public areas. The Housekeeper was Upstairs, I was in our House directly behind, we have a dog often in the yard - but not today due to the numerous firecrackers that had her hiding inside, and a building site and beach side boatyard of locals working next door but one. Nobody saw or hears a thing. It was early evening by the time they worked out someting had happened.

It appears the theif calmly went through from the back to the front of the house via at least one bedroom unlocked the front door and walked out with two cameras and cell phone. It could have been worse, it could have been better - if that was the time I decided to walk round to see them about the morning fishing trip.

Be on the aware of this person and their style or MO. This person is bold and has big ones. Our guests were unlucky with a simple communication breakdown leaving an unseen backdoor unlocked not open. I will post the Camera models etc tomorrow just in case someone tries to peddle them to you or people you know. One was a waterpproof to 3m model that they might try and sell to a Dive Shop etc. Phone is US, locked and useless already. While we and the tourists hadn't and were unlucky don't let your guard down while here. It's rare but can happen and a new experience for us.

Thanks

Phil

[JZB]

Sorry to hear this happened Phil.  It is the time of year when ALL crimes are on the rise.  I hope your guests get at least some of their stuff back.

[pedro]

we have a problem with guests bringing local/unregistered guests to their rooms-it makes our security guards job a lot harder and he has to be so diplomatic-with people getting upset he has taken peoples ids and then let them stay-this avoids huge arguments at 3.00am in the morning-I am not saying all locals are burglars but some definitely are

[2Aggies]

I do understand your plight Peter. We have made friends in San Pedro and on our last visit we were having beers in our living room with the doors open. A room attendant saw him and soon the manager was there asking me if everything was alright. I assured her he was my friend and that nothing was going on. Seeing us having a beer together she must have realized it was true.

I appreciated her being watchful and my friend said it was normal for him to be looked at closely while on rental properties. He laughed and said it was his rasta hair.

Should we as guests check our visitors in to make it easier on security? The only problem is sometimes it is spur of the moment. I understand this would be even more difficult in Phil's case. Besides this sounds like someone was watching from a distance and knew exactly when to hit.

[Moose in Belize]

Phil, have you tried posting this on Marty's board?

[pedro]

imo if you want a drink with a friend do so in the bar-rooms are used for three things

1. sex
2. sleeping
3. recovering from a hangover

so if you want to have sex with your new found friend -check him/her in at the office

[Moose in Belize]

so if you want to have sex with your new found friend -check him/her in at the office

he's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice ..............................

[2Aggies]

imo if you want a drink with a friend do so in the bar-rooms are used for three things

1. sex
2. sleeping
3. recovering from a hangover

so if you want to have sex with your new found friend -check him/her in at the office

4. Storing your belongings
5. Personal Hygene
6. Relaxing between activities...

Actually, the reason we reserve (and pay more for) a place with a living area, nice veranda or balcony, and kitchen is so we can entertain away from the bar scene on occassion. I realize your Inn does not offer these types of amenities and therefore you encourage patronage in a bar, but that is not the case all over the island.

[pedro]

I understand renting a house or appt is different but when people get robbed by actually letting people into their home when they do not know them is not very bright

There is no hotel on the island that allows unregistered guests to visit rooms-obviously guests themselves frequently break these rules which are put in place for their own safety.

[Phil]

We recommend against people bringing "new" freinds back. It's a bit rough on the vast majority but there are specialists who befreind and take advantage. Conmen are always good at making people believe them and remember the opportunity they seek might not arise for them on every visit. Use a little common sense and keep your guard up and you'll be fine. Listen to locals too.

This one has us a bit perplexed. No one has been in or around the house other than them, myself and our eight year long Housekeeper who is above suspicion. One of those chance bad luck things. We're hoping we can at least get their photos back.

[Moose in Belize]

Aren't the con men locals?

[Phil]

Not usually San Pedranos or often even Belizean, but I meant the majority or overall views.

[2Aggies]

I understand renting a house or appt is different but when people get robbed by actually letting people into their home when they do not know them is not very bright

There is no hotel on the island that allows unregistered guests to visit rooms-obviously guests themselves frequently break these rules which are put in place for their own safety.

I hardly invite every Joe I meet to have a beer. I am talking about people who's home and cell numbers I have. People I have been a guest in their home, and people I know other members of their family. These are friends I have taken to lunch and dinner, sat on the backside with drinking and laughing, and people I call friends. I e-mail with them and share photos.
Sounds like you discourage repeat visitors making friends in SP.
Again you are referring to "Hotels" not allowing guest, I would not know I have never stayed in a hotel in SP. We have stayed at places that advertised the additional space as being accommodating to entertaining guest. Everything does not happen in a bar with us. we like to sit on the veranda and have some cocktails and visit one-on-one with our friends.

[deadserious]

I hardly invite every Joe I meet to have a beer. I am talking about people who's home and cell numbers I have. People I have been a guest in their home, and people I know other members of their family.

Sounds like you've met Westside?

[2Aggies]

Never heard of him.