myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

I'm wondering if there have been any updates on the various alleged incidents that have occurred over recent months. This area of the forum seems to have been remarkably quiet since the middle of September. Any current information, on what appeared to be a slightly worrying trend of increased risk(perceived or otherwise) of crime, would be appreciated.

Nothing could ever prevent me from returning to Tobago but it would be interesting to know whether the authorities are dealing with the issues.

Regards to all

Barry

All quiet Barry

I have not heard anything ... all those incidents seemed to get 'nipped in the bud' ... it's easier to catch culprits on a small Island like Tobago so when these things happen (which is rare) it is sorted pretty quickly.

Regards

We got back from 2 weeks in Castara about 10 days ago. It was our first visit to Tobago (and definitely not our last).

When we arrived we were warned that there had been a spate of thefts in Castara and to be extra careful about leaving valuables in sight in our accommodation. Everyone we met when we were there were extremely upset and embarrassed about this. There were reports that the culprits had been caught just before we arrived, but most felt these were just some local lads in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just before we left, it appeared that someone had been caught in possession of an item of stolen property. Perhaps someone in Castara like Adam or Alibaba could provide an update?

Anyway, all we did was be extra careful about where we left valuables while we were out, kept the front door locked if we were taking a siesta and encountered no problems. Anecdotes suggested that the thefts were mostly opportunist, involving little force and no violence.

I hadn't been too concerned about the previous incidents reported on this board, although my husband was a little worried as he had read more sensational reports about attacks around places like Englishmans Bay. In the end we hired a jeep (being careful NOT to leave anything valuable in there), drove all round the island, especially in the north, visited plenty of isolated spots and never felt remotely threatened. We happily picked up hitchhikers unless they looked particularly unsavoury.

We had previously visited St Lucia, which we felt was friendly and welcoming to visitors, but we both commented how much more accessible Tobago was and how it was so much easier to mix comfortably with local people. We never felt intimidated even in the remotest parts of the island.

So, I think I would echo other people's comments to put the reports in perspective, take sensible precautions, don't worry and go and enjoy yourself!

Jo x

Hi Jo

Thanks for that update.

Yes, I can confirm that the famous Castara Cat Burglar has been caught. As you say, he was just a lad - one of a pair of twins I believe. His name had already been mentioned as the possible perpertrator of the recent 'spate' of petty thefts (five or six petty burlgaries, no violence) in and around the village. The sad thing is that he has previously been caught nicking things by foreign property owners who, not wanting to rock the boat, have let him off with a good scolding. In truth, local property owners would probably have slapped him around the ears with a couple of coconuts. Anyway, he was caught carrying the watch and mobile phone taken from one property and I think the embarassment and anger it has caused amongst the villagers will have sent a very clear message to other local 'lads'. In truth, the lad was lucky that the police got to him before the villagers.

[In truth, the lad was lucky that the police got to him before the villagers.]

I think you are right, Steve! We got the impression that the perpetrator(s) would have been hung, drawn and quartered if the villagers got hold of them.

Thanks for the update too, and for confirming that my info was mainly correct.

Jo x