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llseldon
Joined 2013
Posts: 3205

8 years ago

More on Crime in Boquete

8 years ago

From the internet:

Burglary and missing victims
June 28, 2015 by Lee Zeltzer 2 Comments
I am the treasurer of Alto al Crimen (AAC), a local foundation, setup to in an effort to inhibit the growth of crime in Boquete. AAC is neither police nor vigilantes, we run a hotline at 6477 6662. This is the local emergency number, a private service filling a hole in government function. Anyone can call the number for bilingual assistance with crime, medical emergencies and even auto problems. AAC is a free, donation supported service. The website for AAC is at his link.

Because of my involvement with AAC, I hear about crimes in Boquete that are never publicly disclosed. Sometimes people report to AAC and not the police. Some report directly to the police and others not at all. Many locals never report anything to anyone, they have no confidence in the police.

We have very little crime in Boquete and most crimes are burglary. About one burglary a month is reported to AAC. These are crimes are of opportunity and against property. Crimes against people are rare, perhaps twice per year. White collar crime is common and not usually reported to anyone except the courts. If people listened to the advice propagated by AAC crime would be reduced but it can never be eliminated when there are people who have and people who want.

Last week a friend, Richard, was burglarized and I heard about it. I am writing in another attempt to make people aware of how to reduce their risks of become victims. Perhaps we will do a repeat of an annual AAC event at the Tuesday meeting to continue educating people on prevention.

Richard has lived in the same house for about eight years on a heavily traveled street from Bajo Boquete to Valle Escondido. He has not had issues with crime until now. The new variable is new construction of a second level on a house across the street from his home.

Construction workers and domestic help are often the vector that provides intelligence to thieves anyplace including Panama.

Last week during the day when Richard was out for three hours his house was burglarized. They tried to force the front door, failed and accessed through a window in the rear.

The construction workers across the road had full time observation of the house and knew when the house was vacant. There is no proof they did anything, the police accepted their word they did not. Do not count of the police in Panama to do much followup on crime. Police here are great if they see a crime in progress, but they lack investigators. The DIJ has the trained investigators and they have no resources.

The thieves stole televisions, computers and a car. Two beloved dogs have also went missing, either running away or dog napped. The stolen car was recovered in David, but not the dogs.

Things can be replaced, but not beloved dogs. Richard is hoping someone finds his dogs. If you see them anyplace please contact me or the AAC hotline, 6477 6662, the information will be passed on to him. A reward is offered for the recovery of the dogs, they are the priority.

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