What is happening to our beloved Cayman Islands?

Every time i read the compass, it's all about crime... and violent crime at that!
I have been visiting the Cayman Islands for 28 years and have never felt anything but safe at all times. I remember walking home on the beach from the old holiday inn after a night with the BFM. I was never fearful of anything. It was the safest place in the world to me as a kid. Now, all I see is gas station holdups, violence, armed robberies and assualts.

For the 1st time in my life I may not be visiting Cayman for a vacation. I will now(very sadly)look some other carib. islands. Cayman is my home away from home and it kills me to read about this every day.

Can someone please tell me what is going on with our island of paradise? Why can't the police catch these thugs? it's not like they are hiding in New York City?
If things don't change, I'm sure I won't be the only tourist looking elsewhere for vacation.

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2010 4:42 pm Post subject: I totally agree!

I was going to post the same question......This is so sad.....This is why I loved to go to Cayman as it always did feel safe. I really pray that they can clean things up! It's such a beautiful island. rofl2

socagal08

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2010 7:00 pm Post subject:

Sad but true. Crime has gotten out of hand on Grand Cayman. Why is this? Well, for starters, the police do not generally carry guns, and they would be going up against armed robbers if they interfered with all those robberies you read about. Not a very good idea, but let's put the blame on Cayman's leadership...... they haven't really done much in directing the RCIP to stop all this crime! Could they stop some of this crime? I say "Yes!". Gasoline stations are high on the list of robberies, but to my knowledge there's been no effort to use any kind of police surveillance or on-site protection. Perhaps they're waiting for a few storekeepers to get killed before they move. And how about getting serious about the drug trade? Just one man's opinion........ Does anyone else have any ideas?

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:39 am Post subject:

I guess the one good thing is I haven't read about any tourists falling victim to these crimes. But with violent crime, it's only a matter of time until a tourist becomes a victim. And once word gets around that tourists aren't safe, then there goes our island of paradise. There will be no way GCM can survive without tourists.

Come on govern't DO SOMETHING PLEASE!

brakker1 wrote:

Sad but true. Crime has gotten out of hand on Grand Cayman. Why is this? Well, for starters, the police do not generally carry guns, and they would be going up against armed robbers if they interfered with all those robberies you read about. Not a very good idea, but let's put the blame on Cayman's leadership...... they haven't really done much in directing the RCIP to stop all this crime! Could they stop some of this crime? I say "Yes!". Gasoline stations are high on the list of robberies, but to my knowledge there's been no effort to use any kind of police surveillance or on-site protection. Perhaps they're waiting for a few storekeepers to get killed before they move. And how about getting serious about the drug trade? Just one man's opinion........ Does anyone else have any ideas?

Newbie Joined: 26 May 2010 Posts: 16

brakker1 wrote:

The police do not generally carry guns

Does this mean that local Law Enforcement just says "Stop, or I'll say stop again"??? Surprised

Native Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 2035 Location: Illinois

This is all really very disturbing to me as I'm sure it is to the people who live in GC. I sure hope they do something about this soon!!!!!

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:51 am Post subject:

ladyfrenchfri wrote:

brakker1 wrote:

The police do not generally carry guns

Does this mean that local Law Enforcement just says "Stop, or I'll say stop again"??? Surprised

No, they have to say, "Pretty pleeeaasse"! Beyond that, I better nor weigh in on this debate since what I do is teach other cops to shoot. I might not be objective... bigun

!

On crime, I, too am saddened by the frequency of crime reports. But I wonder how much of this is new, though, and how much is a result of 'better' and faster news reporting. I am certain that crime has risen, but am not prepared to say by how much. It'd be great if someone with first hand knowledge can help here...

In any case, the Cayman Islands are still one of the top two safest places we've even been. Regardless of where you travel and how safe it is, it is best to always remain aware of your surroundings and never look like good prey. Criminals are scavengers and nearly always look for the weak to prey upon.

DS

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:27 pm Post subject: Crime in Cayman

Hi, I know crime is everywhere and I am concerned for the people of Cayman and my family. We absolutely love it there and I guess you just have to be aware of your surroundings. This robbery that took place concerns me as we are staying at the Turtle Nest Inn in Dec. Could you tell me if this area is considered to be reasonable safe as in the past we have always stayed on 7 mile and I'm wondering if this area is known for criminal activity? As we all know crime happens everywhere but some places more than others.

Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 12:13 am Post subject:

Well, you're still safer than going to, say, Jamaca !

As for arming the police, don't forget that the systm is based on what we have here in the UK; Most police you see are unarmed but there's always an armed response vehicle not too far away. Theres no evidence that arming the police cuts down on crime; quite the opposite in fact.

Its a bit like the threat of terrorism; always much worse in thought than in reality. Just keep your wits about you on holiday just as you would at home!

Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:30 am Post subject:

paul71a wrote:

As for arming the police, don't forget that the systm is based on what we have here in the UK; Most police you see are unarmed but there's always an armed response vehicle not too far away. Theres no evidence that arming the police cuts down on crime; quite the opposite in fact.

paul71a,
I won't argue the case one way or another.... I'm not a cop...... BUT, if I were involved in a shootout, I'd rather be armed than know that needed weapons were in a vehicle "not too far away". I always liked the bumper stickers I saw in the U.S., "FIGHT CRIME. SHOOT BACK". Wink

Excerpt from the Cayman Compass 18 June 2010:

*****
The budgets for police services – including patrols and police investigations - have been reduced in the upcoming budget when compared to what was forecast to be spent on those items this year.

According to the spending plan in the Cayman Islands 2010/11 budget, expenditures for police services were reduced to $13.8 million compared to $16.5 million spent last year; a reduction of about $2.8 million.
*****

How does that grab you?

Native Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 2035 Location: Illinois

Wouldn't you think in light of all that's been going on they would have to add to the police budget?

Shelly :-)

Newbie Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 12

Crime is up everywhere you go these days! We live in Texas, a nice area of Houston. Used to be we could leave the doors & windows open, car doors unlocked. Not anymore. Now we have to double lock everything, got two dogs and a shotgun!

The Caymans, by comparison are a very safe place for us to visit. We go every year, never had any problems. Can't do anything to invite trouble, but just a little common sense, we never had any trouble.

I still love the Cayman Islands, and can't wait to return!

Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 6:45 pm Post subject: RCIPS change?

From the Cayman News Service:

The RCIPS deputy commissioner was questioned during Finance Committee about the number of armed officers on Grand Cayman and why there wasn’t one in each and every patrol car. Members also asked about attaching Uniform Support Group officers to the districts.

Hmmmmm...... Has someone been reading the CAG forums?

Newbie Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 12

Crime is up EVERYWHERE! We live in Texas, and also go to Canada, frequently. The thing is global! With everything more expensive, less jobs, less money, crime goes up. Hopefully it's all relative, so a little increase in crime in the Caymans is still only like a GOOD day in any big city. I couldn't find any safer island anywhere, and I am not going to worry about any crimes spoil my vacation! Just use common sense, should be okay.

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