Jul 03
Robberies Robberies Robberies
The following was posted recently on a Panama Yahoo Group. I post it here as a caution that you should not assume that any place is entirely safe. It never hurts to carry a pocket camera and get photos of anything that might seem strange. In the event of a robbery or worse, a photo might be the lead to solving a series of crimes.
There are so many robberies in Volcan it is incredible. Gringos Panamoes it doesn’t matter.
Look out for a green Mitsubishi pick up truck. Nothing definite but it has been seen near two recent robberies. Snap a picture if you can and watch your own stuff if you see a truck like this around. I’ll try to get more detail on the truck. They hit a house today in the morning. Lap top computer and camera were taken.
Anybody have any ideas how to deal with this? There are just too many robberies.
Private detective? I’ll contribute if that ’s what it takes.
Bars on your windows? Hahaha they take those off in minutes. They usually have guards posted in back of the houses and probably in front too. Cell phones warn if anyone is coming.
The local police say they are not CSI. I nominate the cop who said that for understatement of the year award.
8 responses so far Panama Journal
It sounds like it’s time to move away from that country. At least in the United States we do have a legal system and even though it’s not perfect, when you dial 911 the police rush to your location. They are ready willing and able to investigate a crime committed. What’s the point of living in fear?
Hi Bob. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
There are problems with any country. Certainly the US is having its share of problems. With the economic situation there, I think there will most likely be an increased level of crime too.
Living here, I still have a little bit in the bank each month after expenses. If I were in the US, I might be having to supplement my pension to live the way I wanted to.
Those that like it here will stay. Those that don’t will go some other place and probably complain about the problems there.
Yes Don,
You are correct. I originally moved to Panama after my retirement. I liked living there for the first 24 months. I soon chose to move back to the U.S. For me it’s not about the cost of living, it’s about the quality of life. I took alot of things for granted. Sure it cost more to live in America but it’s really worth every penny of it.
Hi Bob. Well, Panama is not for everyone. Some like it and others hate it.
I have no argument with Bob, but I wish to cite the following which appeared in a blog for perspective :
” The industrial giant General Motors collapsed into the waiting arms of the Federal Government on June 2nd, 2009. The May 2009 unemployment figures reveal that another 345,000 jobs were lost in that month alone, and the Federal Government was bragging about it because they thought it would be worse. Leave it to the U.S. Government to take credit for a catastrophe; they are that far out of touch! How bad is it? The newspaper USA Today revealed on June 1st, 2009, that when all Federal obligations are factored in every American household has an obligation of $546,668.00. Many people are beginning to realize they have been sold out and shot down. Recent research by the Association of Government Accountants revealed that “only 5% of Americans believe government is honest and open or that government provides accurate information.”
In this regard, it appears that despite issues, Panama has more of a future than the U.S. Again, just another perspective… one in which contributes to me living in Panama.
First, I am not the fearful Bob who exited Panama back to the U.S.
I have fortunately not experienced a crime here in Panama, but during my tenure in the states, felt like I could become a victim at any moment. Life is a risk. It is our job to employ risk management and deal with what we have out there. Sure, the police in the U.S. respond faster, but the judges also let the criminals walk 9 times out of 10. Better or worse, I’m not sure. Like Don, I find myself able to live in a country here where life is affordable. Perhaps the other Bob has the benefit of more resources. I am glad he has those choices. All things considered, no matter where you live, you need to take precautions and factor all the variables. Tonight I read about a new serial killer in South Carolina. Violent crime here in Panama is still quite low although crimes against property are rising. If I have a choice, I’ll prepare for a break-in – it’s hard to prepare for the serial killer, the car-jacker, etc. I left the states for a number of reasons, and the quality of life overall here still keeps the scales tilted heavily in Panama’s favor.
Hi Bob2. Thanks for dropping by Chiriqui Chatter and taking the time to leave a comment.
Alarm system on all windows and doors, Doberman, Rottweiler, good tall fence around your property line topped with barbed wire and most important a good insurance policy that covers break ins and robbed items.
Patrick