A very informative trip report on Traveltalkonline.com St Martin forum entitled Trip Report-Crime Report about a mugging in St Martin. Good advice from poster and respondents. When tourism is down crime may be on increase,be careful.

thanks for imforming us. <BR>I was watching my local Dc news and 10 people got shot yesterday. But im planning to go to work.

So? I thought TTOL deleted all those posts?<BR><BR>What are you getting at?

They couldn't delete this one-the victim actually saw the website runners. The moral of the story was besides being street smart, do not carry a purse. Interesting the French police knew it was a black bag-before andy discriptions was given. <BR>Anyhow it has not detered the couple from returning.

Tourist muggings are very common on St. Martin/Maarten. Most are made to "disappear" by the local authorities to avoid negative publicity, which hurts tourism. <BR><BR>How do I know? My fiancee and I were mugged at knive point outside a Marigot restaurant last year. The mugger was very distinctive looking, so I pressed the issue with the officer who took our report. He confided that very little would be done to avoid "adverse reactions." No posters or descriptions, because that would call attention to the crime. As always, the almighty dollar $$$ wins out, even over safety. After that experience, we'll certainly never return, even though we did enjoy some aspects of the place.

Here we go again. Nothing anyone says can possibly be original on this topic.

Oh no, this thread has attracted the attention of the St Martin Defense Trolls! Prepare to be skewered for having the audacity to mention a negative experience! <BR><BR>In all seriousness, as a travel agent (specializing in cruises but with a fair amount of non-cruise business), I've heard many-a-crime story about St Martin. Most are warnings & fears, thankfully, and not actual violence, but I've heard more than my share of violent stories as well. Know your destination and be careful!<BR>

Sorry, folks, no COCAINE available in St Maarten this week. It washed ashore in Aruba, and the Aruba police found it. What a shame! I guess the butt-ugly "naturists" will have to find another means of getting high enough to look at each other.

Jack,<BR><BR>Well at least we won't have to worry about seeing your punny little thing hanging out down there!

No you won't, so just take a quick peek at your husband's and you'll be fine. If his beer gut isn't covering it, that is. And don't be fooled when he tells you that centimeters and inches are the same thing.

Jack,<BR><BR>Stop it, you're making me hot. If I could just wrap my hands, er hand around you....