Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Panama Expat Forum

A Landmark Day

New Topic Newest First
StanleySankey
  11/26/2019 22:40 EST

This morning we found that the restaurant that my wife and I operate was robbed overnight. I realized this was the first time in Panama that I had been robbed by someone that I didn't know. Before now it has always been employees or acquaintances.

Obviously, it was kids as the only thing they took was 20 cans of soda from the fridge. Have to give them some grudging credit though. In a clearly Jackie Chan inspired move they gained access by using the wall for a push off point to vault the 7 foot iron fence with the finials (security spikes) on top. The police noted the foot prints on the wall 4 and 8 feet up from the ground. So next upgrade will be to top that fence with a coil of razor wire.

Just to note, the National Police, although very much maligned in general; and I too may have lobbed a grenade or two at them; are actually are quite good at responding. This morning they were onsite within 5 minutes of getting called. They did their reports and took photos etc. and offered some advice to increase the security of the location.

When I had the location in Las Tablas my employees noticed a car parked on the street with four malientes that he figured were suspicious and called the police. The NP were there in also in under 5 minutes and had the suspects rousted out and were questioning them for about 30 minutes. They ultimately let them go as they had not done anything yet. My employee seen the same four malientes all handcuffed together in the back of a police truck two days later so clearly they robbed someone else instead of us.

Police are generally not people you want to have to deal with as it usually means your having a bad day; but so far I have no issues with the quality of service of the NP and they seem to be shaping up from when I first arrived here. Just for contrast the Canadian police in Edmonton, Victoria and Mission (Vancouver area) where I also was robbed; the cops just took a report over the phone and couldn’t be bothered to even show up.

StanleySankey
  2/29/2020 12:15 EST

Just an update.

The soda thief returned after a two month break.

Same thing as before fridge broken into and 20 sodas and juices missing.

Called the NP again and a LINCES patrol arrives within 10 minutes. I describe the missing items and one of the officers takes out his cell and shows pictures of sodas and juices packed into a couple of our take out bags.

Told him that looks like the missing items. A few minutes later their lieutenant arrives and says that they caught a 20 year old guy on the street at 3:00 am that they detained.

They suspected everything he was carrying was stolen and were hoping someone would call in a theft to match it up.

He asked if I would go swear out a complaint which I did. Three hours later I was called back to the court for his arraignment.

The police and I gave our statements and the perp told the judge that he bought it. The judge seemed unconvinced and asked to see the receipt which of course didn't exist.

The perp was found guilty and ordered to pay a fine as it was his first prosecution.

Total time from calling the police to being back with all my stuff and some restitution 6 hours.

Fence is now 3 feet taller with some nasty steel spikes on the top.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Connect

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

StanleySankey
  6/29/2020 22:06 EST

Seems the local crack heads are getting more desperate. Even with the new improved fence some maliente managed to come over the spikes on Sunday. This time though in the middle of the day between noon an 3 pm. My wife had gone out to run errands and of course with the current health regulations the restaurant is temporarily shut down. I was working in the back office. The maliente came into the front and kitchen area. They just pillaged the daily cash float from the lock box for front counter. This is the third robbery in seven months, starting to become tiresome. Worst part is that calling the police number 104 went unanswered. It just rang and rang. Fortunately, half the cops are customers so my wife had to call one up on their personal cell phone to get someone to show up.

llseldon
  6/29/2020 22:23 EST

Stanleysankey where is your place city, town?
Years ago a doctor friend of my family lived in Patailla before all the development in a house & he said he couldn’t leave anything on his back patio because they’d steal it.
A classmate from BHS who retired from the PCC lived in the hilll west side of Veracruz (he was not too smart-lock operator) & he couldn’t leave his house after dark to protect it & the still broke in & robbed him at gun point. He lived there over 20 years, finally gave up & moved to Florida. Now he can’t sell the house & locals can move in, squat & claim his property. Oh for you Columbian lovers, he had a couple living in his house, he had a stroke & in his words “they robber him blind”. The Colombians are the worst.
Buen suerte amigos del Chagres

CherryPie
  6/30/2020 09:14 EST

That is awful, Stanley. Theft is bad enough but someone breaking in when you or your family are there is truly scary. And I'm sure robbery/burglary is on the rise along with the financial upset coronavirus has caused, too.

We're in Mexico now and hear lots of reports of the same. If we stay here long term, will probably get a dog. Good luck.

CherryPie
  6/30/2020 09:28 EST

Also, thank you for your post Stanley because it reminded me to have a nicer attitude. I get so sick of people badgering you everywhere you go here, trying to sell you goods and services. But now I am reminded that they are trying to eke out an HONEST living. :)

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Connect

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Panamanreed
  6/30/2020 09:31 EST

What's the name of your restaurant, Stanley and where is it?

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Living in Panama GuideLiving in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in PanamaHealthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in PanamaCost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to PanamaMoving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in PanamaReal Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros Cons of Living in PanamaPros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in PanamaRetiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Visa and Residency PanamaPanama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal