The Tribune

THE United States Embassy in Nassau has reiterated its warning against increased criminal activity in the Bahamas for US citizens preparing to the travel to the islands this Christmas season.

In an alert sent out to US citizens via e-mail yesterday, the Embassy advised that armed robbery remains a “major threat” facing visitors to the Bahamas.

The Embassy noted that a number of US citizens have regularly fallen victim to armed robberies in the past year.

The alert informed US citizens of the armed invasion of Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ home and cited three recent incidents involving American tourists.

The Embassy advised that a

vacationing couple was robbed by a knife-wielding man who entered their hotel via an unlocked 5th floor balcony door in Freeport.

Also in the alert, the Embassy reported that a couple was robbed and attacked at mid-day while touring New Providence via scooter and that vacationers were robbed and assaulted during an armed home invasion in Nassau.

Citing the crime statistics compiled by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Embassy informed recipients of the alert e-mail that there were 457 reported armed robberies and 928 house break-ins between January 1 and May 27, 2013.

It also pointed to the RBPF’s website for more information on crime figures.

The Embassy warned US travellers that robbers and burglars will often conduct pre-attack surveillance by observing the intended property and/or victims.

“This underscores the need for an increased awareness of common activities which can directly impact personal security,” the Embassy said.

“The Embassy strongly recommends that US citizens travelling to or residing in the Bahamas enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP). STEP enrolment provides the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact you in an emergency.”