A frustrated restaurant owner whose premises was robbed at gunpoint last week is calling for steps to be taken to combat the escalating robberies in Grand Cayman.
Tony Crescente, owner of Casanova By The Sea at the waterfront in George Town, whose restaurant robbery was the fourth armed hold-up reported last week, said security on the island needed to be stepped up.
Referring to the spate of armed robberies that have occurred in recent years as a “serious cancer”, he said, “It needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed fast.”
“It is too late to fight this with a stick,” he said, adding that unarmed security guards could not be expected to risk their lives when faced with gunmen and that they should be allowed to be armed.
He also called for armed fast response police officers to patrol George Town and other areas where businesses operate rather than needing to unlock police arms from storage in response to robberies. “Put armed police on the road in every district, or in every business district,” he said.
“It’s the responsibility of everybody to secure this country. We’re not in Baghdad,” he said.
After the hold-up was reported on Friday, he started getting calls from concerned friends and customers from all over the world and fears news of the robbery may affect his business.
Mr. Crescente said the tourist trade had fallen worldwide in the past two or three years. “This is the last thing we need right now,” the restaurant owner said on Friday morning.
“I’ve been here for 27 years and this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” said Mr. Crescente.
He said if Cayman continued to lose the sense of safety that for many years has been the backbone of the Islands’ attraction to tourists, then the tourism industry would fail.
This was echoed by chairman of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association Harry Lalli who said that other Caribbean islands also have pristine seas, wonderful beaches and great weather, but safety and security in Cayman had always been a major draw for tourists visiting here.
Mr. Lalli said several restaurants now employ security guards in their car parks, but he did not want to see a situation where restaurants would have to hire security staff for inside their premises.
“I’m hoping it does not come to that point. If you have guards inside the premises or at the door of a restaurant, it is going to make the tourism product go down. One of our biggest selling points for people coming to Grand Cayman is the safety,” he said.
Mr. Lalli said he found it “very disturbing” that the robbers had hit a popular restaurant while diners were still on the premises “rather than what has been the trend which is to hold a place up after closing time.”
He urged police to increase their patrols of areas popular with tourists. “I’m hoping the police can be very vigilant and catch some of these guys,” he said.
Mr. Crescente was at the restaurant on Thursday night when two men, both wearing masks and one carrying a handgun, held up the restaurant, smashed equipment at the cash register and made off with the takings.
The robbery was the fourth reported in five days last week. Armed robbers held up Awescay Fashions on Shedden Road on Monday evening, 29 August; a man was robbed in broad daylight around midday the day before on a George Town street; and a woman was pistol whipped and robbed near her Bodden Town home late on Saturday, 27 August, after she returned home from her George Town Business.
Stuart Bostock, president and CEO of The Security Centre, said he gets a couple of requests a year from business owners who want to find out if security guards he hires out could be armed, but said most clients understood that Cayman’s strict gun laws mean this is not an option.
“Quite frankly, I’m not convinced that arming security guards would reduce the number of robberies, but it might increase the amount of violence,” Mr. Bostock said.
He said adding “layers of security”, like bright outdoor lighting, CCTV, panic buttons and alarm, as well as training staff to know how to respond during a robbery and how to recall accurate, detailed descriptions of criminals to pass on to police, would be more useful in tackling crime than arming security staff.
He acknowledged that in recent years, as the number of armed robberies has increased, many more businesses are contacting his firm to find out about protecting their premises and staff.
Most of the evening diners Casanova By The Sea on Thursday had left before the robbery happened but there were a couple of tables of tourists remaining in the outdoor dining area, Mr. Crescente said.
The robbers fled from the restaurant Thursday night, around 10pm, with an undisclosed sum of money. They were last seen running towards the Rock Hole area. No shots were fired, and no-one was injured in the holdup.
Both men were dressed in dark clothing, wearing masks and white gloves. One of the robbers spoke with what has been described as a Jamaican-Cayman accent.
Witness appeal
Detectives investigating the robbery are appealing for the occupants of a dark blue car which was seen in the area at the time of the hold-up to come forward.
Police said a small dark blue car, travelling from George Town in the direction of West Bay almost came to a halt as the suspects ran from the restaurant and they are urging the occupants of that car to come forward as they may have information which could be vital to the inquiry.
Anyone else who was in the area at the time and has any information about the robbery should call George Town police station on 949-4222 or the confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477(TIPS).
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Yes indeed, this violent crime is certainly a ‘cancer’ for tourism; as long standing visitors to Grand Cayman we grow increasingly concerned about the island as a holiday destination. Part of the ‘draw’ for us was Cayman’s relative safety in comparison to other islands. We were prepared to pay the extra for peace of mind that we would be safe to enjoy our hard earned cash, and not be ‘penned in’ like zoo animals with armed security guards patrolling the hotel complex. Free to move around the island, walk along the beaches, visit shops, bars, restaurants… All of this has changed so suddenly, the sleepy little island that we do love so much is no longer.
I urge any businesses that have a tourist interest to put pressure on the authorities before it is too late.
Time is running out for Grand Cayman. Act now.
Why comment ? I’m not sure whether the authorities of the Cayman Islands are really interested in the opinion of tourists. Otherwise the government would have acted otherwise already some months ago …and for example would have finally trained and armed the police.
They will only wake up after it was too late.
We’re looking for our December holidays …but as the Cayman Islands have become an unsafe place we’re looking elsewhere. It’s SO sad – we liked the beautiful Caymans a lot and for years.
We would not frequent a restaurant or business that has armed security guards. This would make us very nervous. CCTV cameras are not that helpful if the robbers are masked. Cayman is not that attractive any more.
I agree that crime has become a huge problem, not JUST for the tourism industry, but it creates an unsafe environment for Caymanians and residents alike. I never felt unsafe before, but now I’m finding I am suspicious of any man who is a stranger to me. I’m very on-gaurd, and I don’t like to have to feel that way! I used to greet strangers like friends and felt I could trust anyone I ran across. That feeling is gone.
I agree with Mr. Bostock that arming security gaurds is not going to curb the armed robberies. In fact, it will likely increase the number of people who rob using firearms. What crook is going to want to chance robbing a place, unarmed, when he knows he may be met with lethal force?
Personally, I think that we need to get more of a police presence. The streets should be flooded with both uniformed and undercover police officers so that the crooks can be caught as soon as they flee from a premises. And then, most importantly, they must be prosecuted and not just given a slap on the hand. The sentences must be stiffer than they currently are. The only way the crooks are going to stop is if they know the consequences for their actions are not worth it. Furthermore, Northward Prison must be a place no one wants to go to, not somewhere you get three, unearned square meals, TV, games…It should be set up like a work camp. No work, no privileges, no good food.
And there should be mandatory restitution to the victims of their crimes. How many times have we heard of the criminals paying only a tiny portion of what they stole and then being let off from paying the remainder?
In countries where there is little crime, the people KNOW that there are stiff and certain penalties for criminal acts. Let’s be one of those countries!
It’s the responsibility of everybody to secure this country Tony Crescente
So true Mr. Crescente, and one thing necessary is for the Commissioner of Police to stop trying to destroy our right to defend our lives and property by means of firearms. However, residents should not wait until it first happens to them before they speak up.
Self defense therefore, as it is justly called the primary law of nature, so it is not, neither can it be in fact, taken away by the law of society. Words and Phrases Legally defined, page 924.
I know people are looking to the police to help them with this problem but I urge the businesses to train your staff, have traceable cash/recorded bank notes and panic buttons like the banks have.
Police should have unmanned aerial vehicles continously over hotspots, ie west bay, george town and the 7 mile strip 24/7. This way if a panic button is triggered, the location will be instantly known and the eyes in the sky can start to track the perps movement. Armed police can then pursue and hopefully arrest them.
I am an expat and was planning on bringing my family (with children) here for the upcoming holidays. Unfortunately this is not going to happen. Psychological consequences of witnessing a violent crime last life time. Paying thousand dollars to bring them here and then look over my shoulder all the time?
Crime happens everywhere. However in US and other places criminals are caught, prosecuted and locked up. Here, in Cayman, they are given green light; they commit their heinous crimes in the vicinity of the Police department, but never caught.
we have been coming to the island for several years and several times each year. We have noticed a horrific change in the atmosphere of the island..I have always boosted of the safety’ of the island, but can no longer do this. Each time I look into the Cayman Compass website, we find continual armed robberies, shootings, etc..Ever since Ivan hit the Island, the undesirables came in from Jamaica and surrounding islands and crime has been uncontrollable..Unlike any other island, we were able to walk down SMB at midnight and feel safe..but not now…loud rap music coming from speeding vehicles going down SMB has replaced the steel drum music coming from TREASURE ISLAND resort lobby..we no longer can venture out in the evening to have dinner at the WHARF..something must be done before tourism is effected, – get the lowlife off the island and back to where they came from..
Caymanian use to blame everyone for their problem, the gang that was in school that say was’nt a gang what happen to those boys , oh yea their are in church.reading the bible.Stop blaming expat for your crime and find a solution. blaming someone for your crime can only go so for GUKKIE
I was in town a few months ago then Hammerheads was also robbed….. it’s sad.. but what’s worse is the government not doing anything about it. In the states we’d have heightened security patrols by ARMED police… unmarked cars, and security guards that are also trained and certified in firearm safety… It seems the only ones that have weapons are the criminals.. they seem to have no trouble getting them either…. quite a shame…. my favorite place to go and get away is no longer the kind of place I want to tell my friends about…. does anyone in the goverment care, or are they looking the other way… on purpose???
Hey Caymanians,unfortunately a Very Dark cloud is over Cayman! This Dark Cloud is now Threatening Caymans Tourism Industry and its Citizens ability to Walk the Streets without Fear of being Robbed or Killed. Remember, it didn’t get that way Overnight; it took only a few short Years of Neglect by The Leadship of the Country ! Isnt it Amazing how Quick a Beautiful Island can go to Hell when You Introduce Drugs and turn a Blind Eye to the Problems that YOU KNOW ARE GOING TO COME when this Cancer come to Your Shores !!! Its long past due for the Caymanian Government to start hitting these Criminals right between the Eyes by arming their police Force and by Putting Criminals in Jail for Years-not Weekends !!! I have been coming to Cayman for 19 Years and have over 30 Trips; but if the Situation Here does not get better, then it will be Time to Look for a New Island to Call My Second Home. Caymanians, You have the Power to Change this Situation, but it wont be easy. You will have to either Vote out the Politicans, or Scream Loud enough and Long enough UNTIL they do their Jobs ! Remember this People, Nobody want Cayman to become the Next Jamaica !!!
Like the frustrated restaurant owner whose premises was robbed at gunpoint, many of us see armed robberies as a serious cancer and plague in the Cayman society. Consider this that there were four armed robberies in 5 days. It is most obvious that much, much more needs to be done to drastically reduce this ongoing intolerable evil onslaught of crime on the island.
The number one priority for any government is the safety and security of its citizens. It amounts to a shocking state of affairs and disgrace when such a small island cannot effectively implement measures to reduce the current level of armed robberies.
Common sense dictates that past and present crime control methods are obviously not working. Lets face it, if current laws dictate or tie the hands of law enforcement, then change the law! For example, names of suspects apprehended for committing crimes cannot be revealed until they are actually charged. (Am I right?). I believe this would be one deterrent. Why is it most armed robbers are masked? The simple answer is to protect their identity. Would releasing names of suspects protect identity? No way. Another setback is that those who actualy know the individuals that commit crime are afraid to inform the police for fear of reprisals.
What makes beautiful Cayman so unique and set it apart from other tourist destinations that tourists will continue to flock the island even if crime levels continue to escalate. Protect the tourist industry by all means – no question. But, what about the residents, especially business owners/employees who fear for their lives when forced to actually face a thug’s gun?
I agree with Mr. Bostock that arming security gaurds is not going to curb the armed robberies. In fact, it will likely increase the number of people who rob using firearms. What crook is going to want to chance robbing a place, unarmed, when he knows he may be met with lethal force?
These comments have me shaking my head in confusion, amazement and amusement.
When last did you hear of a robbery committed in Cayman where the robbers went into a business unarmed, all nice and courteous and kindly requested that the owners/employees turn over their cash willingly and with a smile ?
What in the term ‘armed robbery’ have you missed or maybe you have no concept or experience of ever having a firearm or any kind of weapon aimed at you with full intent by the weilder and obviously, you’ve never faced an angry, violent person in your entire life !
The robbers in Cayman must be laughing their heads off at yours and Stuart Bostock’s comments.
As long as these attitudes rule Cayman, so will the gun-totting robbers.
I’m just happy and blessed that I got out when I did because my response to being threatened and robbed certainly would not fit your idea of how such situations should be handled.
If firearms are going to continue to be denied law-abiding citizens and businesses, these people should start to consider proper self-defense training for their employees; the day some of these robbers are held on a premises by a group of well-prepared people and beaten to within an inch of their lives is the day that those robbers will continue to rob no more; you can’t point a firearm at someone with two broken wrists and ankles…
I’m still prepared to assist the citizens of Cayman in learning just how to go about acquiring such training; all they have to do is get in touch through Yoshin Dojo, Louisville, Kentucky…we’re on Facebook.
I will not take my family there anymore! Sorry Tony, but I can not risk my children’s safety on goj g out in the evenings for dinner. This has to stop! I do not feel comfortable going out to any resturant, or shopping establishment.
Mayyer of fact, this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. I am seeking the aide of a real estate agaent as soon as possible. RICP’s passive attitude has set the mood. I am sure their report will say something like, No Shots were fired / No One was hurt
I am sorry to the hard working business people of Cayman. But I am selling and leaving. And, most people I speak with feel the same way. It’s just not worth it anymore.
God bless this mess,,,and it is so easy to fix, but to late to rescue.
Enough said
For Sale, One beach front Condo, 3 bed two bath.
Howard
Sorry but it is time to have an armed police in a fast response capacity. Perhaps it is time to allow approved, trained, tested fully licensed civilians to carry! Crime is on the rise because the robbers know there will be no armed resistance. Maybe I will never have a chance to carry a gun in Cayman to protect myself but I guarantee you that I will not lay down and take it. If I have to go to trial for terminating a robber with a 2×4, beer bottle or running over them in my car….it may happen. And if a robber sticks a gun in my face and the opportunity arises to take the gun away (not hurting bystanders) and use it…I have no problem with that. So each to their own…I will look for lots of thumbs down and bring on the disagreeing comments…whatever makes you happy and feel safe will be fine for you in your world. Good luck with the CCTVs and that fat contract for the providers of the service.
When will Cayman come to the reilization that armed citizens is the best resolve agenst armed criminals. Look at the history of all nations that have restriced there citizens and you will find that crime has esculated. Not a claim, A fact. All people that are not climinal should be able to owen arms for there self protection!! and the protection of there property. Whake up Cayman!!!!!
I think this is really bad. The police or government or both are going to have to do something quick. I tell everyone how safe Cayman is and that is why they should come here instead of other islands. IF that is not true we have real problems
Good luck with the CCTVs and that fat contract for the providers of the service.
The provider of the service is the same major security company owner who’s comments have been published in the report on the Casanova robbery.
Put his comments regarding ‘armed security’, the RCIPS policy on firearms licenses and rapid response and regular armed police patrols in context to your statement and you might have hit the nail on the head.
Cayman is a very small place (I use Cayman in the context of the island of Grand Cayman)and these robbers by night are the same people who go around by day, carrying out the activities of regular people, while casing out businesses and planning the night’s robbery; they also read nespapers, go online and read comments and watch the news, or have their family members do it for them.
By the same token, they know exactly who to rob and who to avoid.
Is it any conincidence that some local restaurants, bars and businesses are never robbed ?
No coincidence at all.
The owners and patrons of those locations are known to be more dangerous and deadly than any little gun-totting punk who would run the risk of being carried out of those locations in a bodybag by trying to rob, threaten or even enter their locations with any threatening intent.
What Cayman’s residents and business owners need to wake up to is the fact that they will have to take responsibilty for their own protection and safety in their own hands and let the chips fall where they may.
A causal reader of the Compass can see the trend toward more violent crime and danger to residents and tourists. I believe the Cayman Islands government needs help from the UK in coming up with a solution to this troubling trend.
More guns among the residents has not solved all of the crime problems in the US, but not allowing the police to instantly respond with the same level of force is not the solution either. I believe a special trained force of armed undercover police would make criminals wonder who might be present or nearby when they commit a violent crime. These undercover police would be able to frequent locations and establishments where crime is likely to occur. The UK could help train and support these efforts.
We would not lose the traditional policing procedures that have been part of the Cayman charm, and yet we could attack this serious problem with force. If we all lose a sense of safety in Cayman it will have serious quality of life and economic implications for both tourists and residents.
As a long time visitor to the Island and one who has loved the Island, it’s time for me to look elsewhere for my vacation. I have spent as much time as 30 days on the Island at a time..staying in hotels and eating out…but I’m not going anywhere that I don’t feel safe walking down the street.
I am about sick of reading these types of stories as well as peoples comments about what needs to be done or should be done. One thing is clear to me now is that the CIG does not take the Crime seriously if they even care about it at all. The Caymanian people for the most part no longer seem to like foreigners whether they be Residents, Tourists or Expats. The point is, it’s time to face reality people and except the fact that the Cayman we all remember from yesteryear no longer exists.
In planning our visit to Cayman this fall, my Wife flat outright refused to go, this actually cut me to the bone because it was something I’ve always looked forward to, I was in love with the Island, the lifestyle there, the people and also invested the majority of my retirement funds into building a home on the island. So you can only understand why this hurt me to the core.
I will miss being able to take those nighttime stroll down the beach and find a private little spot for just the two of us to sit in the sand and watch the sunset like we used to be able to do on Seven Mile Beach.
Everytime there is a robbery in GCI i put a post on my facebook wall for the world to see – ya I live here but it might be my mission now to deter anyone from coming here until this is all sorted out and dealt with, I now have the most posts of the past year!
I guess it will take a carjack, home invasion, holding up a government buildings or an attack or something on a politician or high ranking police official to finally have something done!
After all it is well apparent that the CIG and our premier do not give a second thought about its citizens nor do they care!
Well isn’t that just a great use for Facebook!
How long have you lived here that you can’t even remember the home invasions that we already 4 or 5 years ago. You don’t even remember the bullets at Attorney General House? You have a short memory or perhaps you don’t live here?
Thanks for helping paint us in a more negative picture on Facebook…Oh wait you only have 2 friends so that can’t hurt Cayman.
I do agree with your comment that it seems like the Politicians don’t give a crap. So you see…maybe we can be friends on Facebook?