AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Chat Area $$ 500.00 CASH REWARD

The laws have changed somewhat over the past few years. There is now some form of quick court to accommodate visitors schedules either prior to the time they are scheduled to leave or with a short extensin of their visit to the country so that they don't need to come back and forth.

Also the penalties for burglary and theft are much stricter too. Obviously you would have to prove that the defendant is guilty, but if caught red handed the penalty is 7 years. I think the first conviction is a shorter term but subsequent thefts are the full term.

There has been some outrage in the papers about this because some repeat offenders have gone to Hattieville for stealing a loaf of bread or $5.

Belize has a constitution that prevents us from banning people from the island.

And most certainly once a person or place has been found to be easy pickings they are bound to become a regular target. Unfortunately it means that the victim needs to change his location or change his lifestyle. Putting extra locks on a door or installing a security system. Changing his shifts at work. Not leaving things out on the porch. Sleeping with windows and doors locked instead of letting in the breeze etc.

Well, there was security on property when I was broken into this last time. So much for that idea. The company did have to pay for the replacement of the things taken.
It has been the same MO, a wooden plank to the window, slit the screen and break the window.
Really hate to board up the window because I do enjoy the breeze through the condo when I am there. If I go out, I lock up everything.
Kat

Many people "up north" have invested in Air Horns. We have agreed that three blasts on the air horn is a call for help. Neighbors WILL respond. THIEFS BEWARE!

Great Idea Harriette, I will get one @ Captain sharks next time down. (Does one short blast mean the Lobster dinner is ready? )