[Noticias] Alto al Crimen Report on Feria Week

The big feria week in Boquete is over and we wanted to report to you on what has traditionally created an elevated risk of crime in our community.

Apart from the usual drunk and disorderliness, there were three events reported to the DIJ (the criminal investigative unit of the police) for investigation during the feria week. First was a break-in burglary at a rental house (no security measures in place) in Panamonte Estates during an afternoon when the residents were away - probably not directly related to the feria. There was a construction crew working next door, which makes it easy for bad guys to track the movements of the neighbors and know when the house is empty. A private investigator was hired and a DIJ investigation is ongoing. The second event was a couple who checked into a local hotel and later went from room to room stealing from the guests, who were observed to be at breakfast or out sightseeing. Finally, a single burglary was reported at another local hotel. 

To support the DIJ, Alto al Crimen volunteers provided walkie-talkie sets for the duration of the feria which were effectively used for under cover patrols. In addition, thanks to your generous support of Fundacion Alto al Crimen, we have been able to provide the DIJ - on indefinite loan - walkie-talkies, night vision goggles and binoculars. We are currently looking for a good quality zoom camera for them to use in collecting evidence, such as photographing license plates from a distance. If you have such a camera and would like to loan it to the people who help keep our community safe, please let us know. 

We are indeed fortunate to have enjoyed a very peaceful holiday season. With your continued vigilance and our continued campaign to support the local police and let the bad guys know that this is OUR town and they are not welcome here, we can look forward to the coming year with optimism. Home security, like safe driving, is a state of mind and a discipline that requires ongoing improvement. Please take the opportunity to improve your home security, based on real-world experience in Boquete, by attending the February 5th Alto al Crimen two hour workshop:

How to Conduct a Risk-Assessment and Perimeter Security Analysis of Your Home

Feb 5, 10-12AM

Las Ruinas, across from Las Brisas

Thanks for your support,

The Alto al Crimen team

The Boquete Hot Line