NASSAU, Bahamas — The United States Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, is warning Americans living in and traveling to New Providence, to be aware of recent reports of robberies tied to staged vehicle accidents in the capital.
The embassy said on Thursday that there have been reports in the local media of criminals using the staged accidents as “a ruse to rob the driver and passengers of their possessions”.
“In recent cases robbers have either hit or bumped the victim’s vehicle from behind or stopped quickly to cause an accident. Once the cars are stopped, they will approach the driver in an attempt to rob the driver and passengers” said the embassy, which also attributed the details to media reports, though it was unclear exactly which reports it was referring to.
“There is no indication that US citizens are specifically being targeted for these crimes. However, the US Embassy would like to remind US citizens to be extra vigilant when involved in a vehicle accident and to keep windows and doors locked until you are able to assess the situation.
“If you feel threatened or believe it is not safe to get out of your car, you should immediately call police (919 or 911) or drive to the nearest police station.”
Police did not offer any comment when asked about reports of robberies at staged vehicle accidents.
US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Erica Thibault told The Nassau Guardian that the message was issued to provide timely, safe information to American citizens.
“The US Embassy’s recent message reminding US citizens to be extra vigilant when involved in a vehicle accident reflects similar warnings issued to the Bahamian public by local law enforcement authorities,” said Thibault.
The embassy also warned US citizens that if they are being followed, not to go home or to their hotel.
“Either stay on the phone with police and give them your location so they can provide assistance, or drive to the nearest police station or to the US Embassy (42 Queen Street) depending on which is closer,” the embassy advised.
The embassy also suggested that drivers should keep one to two car lengths distance (20 feet) from the car in front of them to allow for an escape path in the event they are targeted by robbers.
“This also prevents a chain reaction accident in the event that you get hit from behind and pushed into the car in front of you,” explained the embassy.
It also recommended that those involved in accidents take pictures of the scene for their records.
The embassy also told Americans not to expect police to respond to accidents on private property unless there are injuries to passengers or if it is reported that a car was hit intentionally in order to carry out a crime.
Thibault pointed out that the message also encouraged all US citizens traveling or residing overseas to enroll in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) via https://travelregistration.state.gov
By Juan McCartney
The Nassau Guardian
