Location: The Bahamas
Event: According to local media reports an armed robbery occurred on Sunday, April 8, at a restaurant in the Cable Beach area near the intersection of West Bay Street and Atlantic Drive. The suspect brandished a firearm at employees then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. As of today there are no suspects in custody but police are actively investigating.
Actions to Take:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Review your personal security plans
While this specific security alert has not yet been added to the official State Department travel website country page, those planning travel to or who are currently in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas are urged to read the full assessment under the Safety and Security tab on the following page:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bahamas.htmlEXCERPT:CRIME: The criminal threat level for New Providence Island (includes Nassau and Paradise Island)
is rated as critical by the Department of State. Crime in Grand Bahama has increased this past year. Criminal activity on the outlying family islands does occur, but to a much lesser degree than on New Providence or Grand Bahama.
Armed robbery and sexual assault are major criminal threats facing U.S. citizens in New Providence. The U.S. Embassy has received multiple reports indicating tourists have been robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint in tourist locations in the downtown areas of Nassau; several of these incidents occurred during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of sexual assaults in tourist areas as well. The Bahamas has one of the highest incidences of sexual assault in the Caribbean, according to 2012 United Nations report. The majority of sexual assaults reported occurred after excessive consumption of alcohol. The loss of ability to remember facts and details due to alcohol consumption makes prosecution of sexual assaults more difficult. For the latest security messages, visit our website.
The Bahamas, due to its numerous uninhabited islands and cays, has historically been favored by smugglers and pirates. As a tourist, you would not have noticeable interaction with organized crime elements; however, persons operating on their own in boats or planes should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar craft operated by smugglers.
