Chiriquí Chatter

4 Responses to “Other Blogs on Crime in Chiriquí”

1. KK says:

   February 9, 2009 at 9:19 am

   Don,
   The time has come to ‘lock & load’.
   Consider buying a few GOOD dogs such as Rottweilers, German Shepards or Dobermans. Station one dog inside and one out at night. Let them roam during the day as the owner sees fit. Have a few guns on hand such as a 9mm, .45 or .357 mag pistol. Also, a 12ga pump shotgun is a good choice in addition to the sidearms. Of course, stockpile ammo now. When the scum know they’re outgunned and expats are organized & mean business the problems will diminish. The harsh reality is that we are in an economic downward spiral and everything that comes with it. There is no avoiding reality any longer. There is no ‘rambo’ waiting in the wings to bail anyone out, anyone like us commoners that is..
   I would also suggest that friends network tightly and have regular check-ins with each other. Friends & comrades should exchange any vital contact, personal &/or business information with each other and family. I also tend to think that some of us who are not exactly wired tightly should consider alternative communication modes like walkie-talkies.
   These thoughts are not pleasant but we’re not in Kansas anymore.
   I am becoming more amenable to ‘compound’ style living where trusted people come together and endeavor on cooperative living plans.
   Good Luck. Plan Ahead.
   KK
   PS. Where I live, out in the country, It seems folks have their own systems of justice and on occasion ‘take the law’ into their own hands and with good results. Good & decent people have every right to protect themselves and an underpaid & under motivated justice system sometimes agrees. Be careful.
2. Don Ray says:

   February 9, 2009 at 9:33 am

   Hi KK. I just have to assume with more publicity that the local authorities will have to start taking action. I talked to a friend in Dolega the other day and he thinks they know the source of many of the problems. Time will tell.
3. KK says:

   February 9, 2009 at 10:36 am

   Don,
   Nice to see u are hanging around. Hope the New Year is treating you well. Although I commend your wholesome thoughts & hopes of the local fuzz actually doing SOMEthing about crime in these parts, I believe that this desire may be a bit rose-colored.
   As it’s been explained to me, at least here in CR, the police on the street make about $350-400/month. I believe it’s much the same in Panama. A dope dealer will offer a hundred or 2 to have a cop look the other way. Many murders go unsolved even with promises of beefed up enforcement. Anyone who ‘blows the whistle’ on perps of serious crime fears for their life. The CR Gov’t is talking of funding a witness protection program. Right. Here, Arias complains there’s not enough $$ in the coffers for new prison construction while he’s out bulldozing forests with his henchmen on the weekends in preparation for gold mining operations! All true! (He was “busted” but last I heard he was overseas partying with other fine, committed politicos!) I mean, this place has no patent on skulduggery, it’s just committed in a kinder, gentler way. I tend to be more intimidated by the cops in Panama insofar as they dress the part with the fatigues and automatic weaponry, black berets etc. In the final analysis, prevention is the cure. Watch your step. Be a good neighbor etc.
   OH, people may want to check out this website which features an intriguing ‘lower’ tech solution to home break-ins:
   https://www.stopthecrime.com/default.htm
   These folks sell a product line called: The Burglar Bomb. I have absolutely no interest in this company/product but sure wish I did!
   Ok for now. Everybody enjoy your day.
   KK
4. Don Ray says:

   February 9, 2009 at 10:44 am

   Hi KK. What you say is true, however to ignore what is going on and not bring it to the front of people’s minds will allow it to continue and get worse. If it becomes a concern of the government because of tourist dollars and outsiders investing in Panama, then there is a chance that the police will be forced to take action.

   There problems at the boarder becaiuse of abuses in the offices and when it became an issue the people were removed and the problem left.