The Caribbean Safety and Security Net has issued its annual report for 2024 and the numbers show that crimes against cruisers have increased significantly over 2023. For the year, 145 incidents were reported to the SSCN, an uptick of 41%.
The majority of the incidents were non-violent and there was a surge year on year of 57% (137 vs 87). Violent crimes, conversely, fell by 50% (8 vs 16) to the lowest number recorded in many years.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net was founded decades ago as a Ham and SSB radio resource for cruisers and was focused on alerting the cruising community to danger areas, such as the coast of Venezuela. Today, the volunteer service is all online and reports can be filed on the website.
It is interesting to note that the British Virgin Islands topped the list for the region with the most incidents, a first in the history of the CSSN. There were 20 reported thefts in the BVI for the year and, strangely, 10 0f those were in Jost Van Dyke. St. Martin reported an increase of 110% to 25 incidents with most activity in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Central America, including Panama, Honduras and Guatemala, accounted for 26 incidents while the island of Grenada had a total of 17.
Dinghy and outboard theft continue to account for the majority of successful thefts and in most incidents the dinghies were not secured with cables or chains. The obvious precaution against such thefts is to secure the dinghy with stout cables or stainless steel chain and heavy duty locks. And, at night, lifting the dinghy out of the water will keep it secure.
