[News Boquete] Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Crime

United States Embassy Panama City, Panama

 

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Crime

 

September 9, 2014

 

This Security Message is to alert U.S. citizens in Panama to recent incidents of thieves targeting customers at gas stations.  In these incidents, thieves approach parked cars refueling at gas pumps and steal the owner's visible belongings through unlocked passenger doors or open windows while the victim is preoccupied (pumping gas or paying the station attendant).  In an effort to deter this criminal activity, police have increased their patrols around gas stations.  

 

Another crime trend recently reported in local media is armed robberies of several local restaurants during business hours.  Individuals have been entering occupied restaurants and using firearms to subdue customers and employees while their accomplices rob both the restaurant patrons and the employees.  Local police claim to have disrupted at least one group of criminals conducting these robberies. 

 

Keep personal belongings out of sight in your car, and leave the windows up and the doors locked when you step out of the vehicle, even if only to pump gas.  Do not attempt to chase or detain thieves, as they may be armed.  Only you can determine the best course of action when confronted with a critical incident such as a robbery.  You must choose a course of action based upon your assessment of the situation in that moment.  However, in most cases robberies have been resolved peacefully when the victim did not resist or argue.  Cooperation with the robbers and the handing over of valuables has usually led to peaceful resolutions.  Your possessions are not more valuable than your life.  Immediately report any crimes to the police, as well as to the U.S. Embassy.

 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Panama enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you do not have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

 

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Panama City.  For additional information, refer to "Traveler's Checklist" on the State Department's website.  Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

 

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030.  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama.  Please visit the Embassy's website for more information and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov.  The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

 

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