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YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Bahamas Holiday Crime Advisory
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Americas - Bahamas
13 Dec 2007

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THE BAHAMAS 2007 CRIME & SAFETY REPORT
U.S. Embassy Nassau issued the following Warden Message on December 13:

This Warden Message is being issued to remind American citizens residing and traveling in the Bahamas to remain vigilant and constantly aware of their surroundings. As reported in the local media, the crime rate tends to increase this time of year. Please take a moment to review the following security considerations and share them with your family:

Always be vigilant - look for possible threats in your surroundings. While traveling on foot, walk as though with a purpose.

Think through what you would do if your vehicle broke down, you were assaulted, robbed, or followed etc. Mental and psychological preparation plays a crucial role in the practice of good personal security.

Criminals frequently plan their crimes by first conducting surveillance: watching potential victims on the street, at the ATM, or watching their residences. Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Vary routes, routines and times to avoid predictability in work and social schedules.

Avoid using ATMs at night, in dark areas or when alone. Avoid traveling with large amounts of cash.

Do not carry too many bags at one time when shopping, particularly if when alone. Criminals will quickly single out easy targets.

If being followed, go to a more populated location or to a police station to summon help. Never lead the person back to your home or confront the person.

At night, park in a well-lit area. Avoid spots where persons can hide. Before getting in your vehicle, walk all the way around it and look inside to ensure there is no one in the vehicle or lying in wait near the vehicle.

If approaching a parked vehicle or a home, have keys in hand and look around the area for suspicious persons or activity.

If confronted by a criminal, it is essential to readily cooperate. Remain calm, do not make any furtive or quick movements that could be misinterpreted by the attacker, and surrender all property as requested.

Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up when driving.

Do not go out alone. Know where you are going.

Avoid clothing that clearly identifies you.

Ensure someone knows where you are going and when you can be expected to return.

Keep house keys separate from car keys.

If consuming alcohol, assign someone as a designated driver who is well known to you, AND agree to follow that person’s directives. DO NOT DRIVE.

Maintain good key control. Do not “hide” keys outside your house.

If a taxi is required, have the establishment arrange for the taxi and ensure it is a real taxi (license plate number beginning with the letters NP-). Note the number on the taxi.

Know where medical units and police stations are located in the event of an emergency.

Visitors to The Bahamas are encouraged to notify the consular section to advise them of their itinerary and contact information.

For further information on security in the Bahamas, please refer to the Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_989.html

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor our website, http://nassau.usembassy.gov and the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays) .