Numbers show the increase in crime hasn’t happened out of the blue. A 2007 United Nations report on crime and violence found the Bahamas had the highest number of rapes in the world.
The state department has issued a safety alert labeling New Providence Island, including Nassau, as having a critical threat level, meaning more and more tourists are being targeted.
The U.S. State Department’s 2012 Crime and Safety Report says there have been numerous incidents by cruise ship tourists of armed robberies, including stealing cash and jewelry.
In addition, the U.S. Embassy received reports of sexual assaults in areas such as casinos, outside of hotels or on cruise ships.
But will the high crime alert affect tourism? Local 6’s Nicole Pesecky spoke to some travelers at Port Canaveral who said they’ve been warned.
“There was some definite worry and anxiety and people were being extra cautious,” said Caroline Dale. “We heard about the robberies and such and since I have two young girls we didn’t’ bother to get off at that port when we stopped.”
[…]
