[Noticias] Alto al Crimen Rumor Control

There have been several events in the Boquete area in the last three weeks that perhaps need clarification. At AAC, it is our policy not to report every incident publicly immediately as it happens, since initial reports are frequently incorrect and may in fact hinder police investigation. 

1. Rapes and/or assaults -  About two weeks ago a violent rape occurred with the victim being a young mother on the way home from dropping her child off at school. This was followed a day later by two unsuccessful attempts in Alto Boquete. The police have a suspect and are in pursuit as the suspect has apparently fled Boquete. 
2. This week Monday, there were reports of a six year old being assaulted and a 16 year old girl reported missing. These were followed up immediately by AAC and it was determined that the six year old was an interaction with another juvenile and not rape or assault. The 16 year old was discovered with her boyfriend on a bus to Panama City.
3. Attempted robbery at the Panamonte - Two men entered the establishment reportedly brandishing knives and went to the business office. When a quick thinking Panamonte employee picked up the phone and called the police, the robbers fled. One of them has reportedly been arrested and the crime is still under investigation. 
4. Several people have reported having their LAPTOP COMPUTERS stolen from their homes, frequently during the day. These are entirely preventable crimes of opportunity. Here are some things to think about for your own safety:

• Laptops are by far the most popular attraction for thieves. If your laptop is visible in your house through a window when you are not home, your risk of theft is vastly increased. When you leave the house, stash the laptop someplace like a kitchen drawer. Or at least, use a security cable to attach it to the desk. Don't put it in a display case for the bad guys.

• Most of the thefts have occurred by way of windows or doors left open. One laptop was stolen when the home owner was out in the back yard. You need to be very aware of who might be watching your movements and you need to have perimeter and door alarms to let you know when someone is entering your property. In the "old" days, they used simple metal bells attached to gates and doors to announce visitors. It does not have to be expensive or fancy. 

• One theft occurred late at night when the thieves located a spare key "hidden" by the front door. The resident of the house was asleep on the couch in front of her laptop, which was stolen along with her purse. Nothing else was touched. Even though the house was well fortified against break-ins, this lapse created an opportunity. Be aware that unless you take specific and determined care with hiding a spare key, your domestic workers will know exactly where it is and that information can be sold to a third party with little risk. Keep your honest workers honest.
• When people that you do not know come to your house to work, ALWAYS ask them for a cedula or other identification. Make a copy or write the information down. This simple precaution could very well deter them from burglarizing you and if they can't or won't produce a cedula, do not let them into your home. 

In the last two years, the residents of Boquete have come a long way in the prevention or home burglaries. And with the new and improved police force, Boquete remains a much safer community today - if you take some simple steps to protect your home and possessions. As always, it is easier and cheaper to prevent a crime than to recover from one. 

Fundacion Alto al Crimen is a non-profit foundation established by concerned Boquete citizens and supported by your donations to keep Boquete the best place in the world to live. For information, or to make a donation, contact info@altoalcrimen.org.