location.href = 'https://boquete.ning.com/';

Printed with permission from the victims.

This is the fourth robbery at this hotel as reported by police with similar circumstances! Finally Caught! We will not give the name of the hotel as they did fire and deport the employee, as well as returned the money.

Last week in Bocas del Toro guests were robbed by the asst. Manager at the Hotel they were staying. We were happy to help and here is the result. 

First, "Ruddy" posted above become friends (loose term) with the travelers giving tips of where to go. Second he asked "Where they were going the day of the theft?"

Next, He went into their room and retrieved the credit cards out of the wallet hidden in the room, typical place. They left some credit cards in their room in case they lost (or were stolen) the set they were carrying while out. The robber returned the credit cards after he tried to use them and collected $365.

The credit card company of one of the cards contacted a relative in the US.  The relative called the victim. About $365. was taken out in cash at the supermarket see above, other cards denied.

There was a short window of opportunity to catch the robber on film this depends on the memory on your DVR hard drive. We went to the supermarket where the money was distributed to the robber and hotel employee. The supermarket was very helpful in playing back their high resolution DVR on the large monitor so we could video tape and take pictures of the transaction. The market also gave us a copy of his signature and receipt from credit card used. Bingo we had all the proof we needed!!

We then went back to the hotel where the incident took place, we showed them the video tape and receipt "Ruddy" was fired and to be put on a plane the next am back to his family in Colon, Panama City or they would prosecute.  The hotel and the credit card company both refunded the money and refunded the two nights that the victim stayed at their hotel.

A police report was filed.

What can you do to prevent this from happening to you??

1. Have a "Mock" wallet with expired credit cards and maybe 5 one dollar bills, place it under a pillow with a tiny bit sticking out.

2. Contact us for some very smart hiding places in common items you travel with. alarm@safehomepanama.net

3. Travel with "white duck tape" for some other smart hiding places inside the room.

4. Contact your credit card company and have them receive a call or email with password prior to charging. Let them be aware of your travel plans and establish a credit limit on the card.

5. Purchase a DVR clock radio to record what is going on in your hotel room while you are away, make sure to watch it as it will record over events.

6. Ask the hotel if they have background checks on employees and cameras in the hall ways.

You need to be a member of Boquete Ning to add comments!

Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • Sounds like  the major screw-up here was informing the thief of the itinerary. Guys, don't tell strangers where you are going or how long you will be gone. Not a good idea on vacation, not a good idea at home.

  • Ah, but per capita Bocas leads the pack...
  • A friend of the family worked at the hotel and was very upset by his actions. She made the comment that his aunt would "beat his butt" when he returned. Young adult, maybe 22, still has much to learn about life.  Sometimes a punishment and being scolded by a loved one can turn a person around, sometimes not.  It was not up to me or our company what to do, prosecute or send back to his family. All we did was help by suggesting they go to the store reported by the bank and try to save the images on the DVR. Considering the actions and comments by the hotel employees, I do think he was the only one involved. Yes four other times the same situation occurred but this was the only time someone was caught.

    Again the best way to prevent this is to carry a waterproof fanny pack and keep credit cards and cash close by.  The hardest part is when swimming or water sports. Credit card fraud is a huge problem and password protection and perimeters set with ones bank can help. Some creative hiding places with a mock wallet and other provisions can also deter theft.

    Yet I have had a pair of expensive jeans stolen, so I like a clock radio with built in DVR...catch them stealing anything left in your room. Or even a GSM Alarm on the door and request no cleaning, do not disturb may help.

  • Removal of a finger or a tattoo on his forehead would be a better punishment.

  • Why no prosecution?

    Couldn't they use the photo as evidence?

    • Yes they had all the evidence they needed. Nevertheless, they wanted the young mans family to deal with him. I would imagine he got a lashing on his return. The hotel also did not want the bad press, as they own two hotels in Bocas.  The problem is he had never been caught as he was aware the detective is not always on duty. In most cases the DVR will loop over the footage within 24 to 48 hours. That is also why we like a alarm with instant notification working with a DVR. Time is of the essence. Contacting your bank before travel is also a good idea, and out smarting the thugs is key. Thanks for the emails!

      The problem was he went to a store not an ATM, and even with a limit in place he still got $365. Also with out the new high definition cameras his face would be out of focus. Kudos to the supermarket for helping catch a thief.

  • I will only give the information (tips) to friends, customers or recommended people from honorable friends like Lee, ect.

    Thanks, fixed it.

    Your welcome we are so glad he was caught!!

This reply was deleted.

Recent Activity

kenny waldrop replied to Lily's discussion 2 bedroom 2 bath rental for long or short term in Boquete Rentals
"Hello, beautiful place. How much are you asking?
Kenny
kendrop@hotmail.com 
 "
Feb 1, 2023
kenny waldrop replied to Patrick's discussion Avail 01/15/23 House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath $500. in Boquete Rentals
"Hi, I see that the house is rented. Will it be available July 1st for 1 year lease?
 
Thank you,…"
Feb 1, 2023
Lynne Ditlow replied to Whskyman's discussion Brother Sewing Machine, Model GX37 in Boquete Classifieds
"Hi is this sold? "
Jan 30, 2023
Buenos Vecinos de Boquete posted a discussion
View this email in your browserBuenos Vecinos de Boquete Newsletter January 2023Family of the Month…
Jan 30, 2023
Dee posted a discussion
Does anyone know if Strong Tower Church is still operating? If it is, can you please tell me where…
Jan 29, 2023
Patrick posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
ANYONE HAVE A COMPUTER MONITOR AT LEAST 24"TO SELL ATA REASONABLE PRICE?IF SO, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT:…
Jan 27, 2023
Panama Mac posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
 Do you have an iPhone or iPad with music loaded on it?  Want to be able to play that music over…
Jan 26, 2023
Panama Mac posted a discussion in Boquete Classifieds
Looking to treat your family to a WOW experience in Panama from the comfort of your own home?  …
Jan 24, 2023
Fundrifter replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Hello....  Is already rented.  Thank you for your interes."
Jan 22, 2023
Myles replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Your link doesn't work"
Jan 21, 2023
Fundrifter replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
Jan 21, 2023
Myles replied to Fundrifter's discussion Awesome, huge 3 Bed/3 bath house Totally fenced. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!! in Boquete Rentals
"Don't see link for photos !"
Jan 21, 2023
Fundrifter posted a discussion in Boquete Rentals
OWNER RENTS SPECTACULAR HOUSE OF 230 MTS.2 (CLOSED AREA) ON A LOT OF 1,400 MT 2. 3 BEDROOMS, 3…
Jan 21, 2023
Carlos Antonio Villarreal posted photos in Casa Prado
Jan 19, 2023
Cynthia Dunne replied to Jeff Larvick's discussion Driver’s License exam in English
"Hi Jeff, can you send me a copy of the exam if you still have it.   my email is…"
Jan 19, 2023
Patrick replied to Patrick's discussion Avail 01/15/23 House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath $500. in Boquete Rentals
"THE HOUSE HAS BEEN RENTED
 "
Jan 10, 2023
More…