2436 – Theft in Dominican Republic – Luperon
Incident Date: 2019-12-29 at 21:00
Event Type: Theft
Stolen Items: jewelry
Secured: Not Locked
Source Type: 1st Hand Report
Incident Details: A yacht arrived for its first visit in Luperon and took a mooring. They went ashore and completed checkin procedures with Customs and Immigration. They queried the Capitania about any other requirements, and he shrugged. Later, back at the yacht a boat with two uniformed Navy persons with automatic weapons arrived to complete an inspection. They conducted a very thorough investigation and found a key hidden out side and also a jewelry pouch that was well hidden deep in a locker. They completed their report and asked for a "gratuity" and were given a small sum (USD 10) , and they departed.||Later the crew went ashore from 7-10 PM, when they returned to the yacht the door was locked as they had left it, but the crew was unsure if all closed hatches had been locked. Upon entering a sleeping cabin they discovered the jewelry pouch sitting on the bed and open, and all but 2 pieces missing. Left behind was some costume jewelry, everything else had been taken (rings, watches, necklaces, earrings). No other lockers seemed to be disturbed, and no electronics were taken – tablets, camera, TV, printer, router, were all were visible and out. ||The crew was understandably concerned about the roles officials may have taken in this theft. They departed the Dominican Republic on good weather a few days later. No police report was made before departure.||CSSN NOTE: The victims have indicated a willingness to complete a police report by email/phone. Stakeholders in Luperon are asked to encourage the correct Police party to contact CSSN at safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com to facilitate this process.