A Call for Community Unity Against Crime in Panama's Beach Areas
The second robbery of Rancho Los Toros, a restaurant / hotel located on a San Carlos farm, has the expat community concerned about safety. A recent crime wave of violent home invasions without any known arrests has people wanting solutions. The situation is driving three community safety groups in Panama to come together: Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), Alto Al Crimen (AAC) in Boquete and Gorgona Vecinos Vigilantes are working on the Rancho Los Toros case together. According to an email sent by Rob Brown of Retirement Detectives:
"I have contacted Carlos Espino (Legal Advisor for the National Police) and we are working on an action plan". While taking to the police, Rob is also looking into what is involved in having a private investigative unit.
Rob makes a request to the community:
"I would ask anyone wanting to contact the media or post on the web to stick to our talking points and not rant or rave - I know many of us are angry and upset - especially the ones attacked - and you have every right to be - BUT - you want to win here. Our primary goal is to identify these attackers, have them arrested and convicted.
I caution the rest of us that our goal is NOT to embarrass the police/government or promote our personal agendas such as gun laws, lack of police training, etc - Poco a Poco."
Rob Brown is compiling a list of all recent attacks in order to put pressure on officials.
"I am asking everyone to send me a list of all attacks (reported and unreported) that they can recall in the past two years. If possible I need the dates, location, number of attackers, armed or unarmed, number of victims, what was stolen/damaged and any injuries sustained."
"I am preparing a series of letters about the crime/violence/lack of police action issues that we are facing out here. I will be posting them on key websites and sending them directly to key influencers in the government and media. (ATP - Tourism/Presidencia/Real Estate Companies/Hotels/Tour Companies/ COPA Airlines).
International media will pick up on this, and we should be prepared with talking points, facts and accurate statements - we want to avoid seeming anti-Panama, gun-toting vigilantes or extremists."
This and other issues will be discussed at the Community Meeting Thursday June 6th at 5 PM at Rancho del Toro.
"A show of support meeting is being held Thursday June 6th at 5 PM at Ranchos del Toro. Armed guards, Altos al Crimen armed police liasion will ensure that nothing interferes with the event."
"We hope to raise money for a reward for information leading to the arrest of the criminals and for legal fees to support the prosecution."
Details of the investigative techniques will be revealed. "We will be presenting our plan on how we intend on identifying these punks, having them arrested, and having them convicted - Please come show your support."
To lighten the mood, and to raise funds for the investigation, we will be selling 'Ham - Burglars' with a cash bar.
