Crime in Boa Vista (cape Verde Island)

Magic_Moments

We heard a rumour that crime is on the increase in Boa Vista ( Cape Verde Island). It would seem it is mainly robbery but a few cases of knife crime have apparently been reported. We believe this emanates from a camp on the island where workers who were involved in building two large hotels in Boa Vista are based. There is no employment for them and minority are turning to crime as a way of survival. The police present on the island we understand is small.One of the reasons we were going to Boa Vista was the safety aspect. is there any substances to this rumour and has anyone experienced any crime first hand. Maybe is just someone scaremongering.

Katiehound

Sorry can't answer your question exactly.
I was in Mindelo which is on Sao Vicente from a cruise ship in October last year. For all shore excursions we were advised not to take things of value with us and keep bags & cameras close to our person. In Mindelo we weren't allowed to walk more than a few yards in the street although it was a Sunday! we had to keep getting on & off the bus.
All I surmise from this is that the Cape Verde residents are poor whilst we as westeners appear to be rich, therefore we are fair game for pick pockets etc. The same holds true for many places in the world.
Have a look here, seems Mindelo & Praia are the worst and no mention of Boa Vista- it reports that crime rates falling (Aug 12):
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1083.html#crime

blue_haddock

I would agree with the other poster - i visited Sal in Cape Verde and whilst most of the locals were fine there was a local market type thing which the hotel advised me not visit as it was all tat but more importntly was prone to tourist being robbed in.

carmel11

Most of the muggings appear to be either in crowded places or deserted places. Its probably drug related.Usual advice, don't walk alone at night, don't walk in areas where there aren't other tourists nearby. What made you chose this place for safety, safer compared to where? It is Africa.i have a friend who was mugged at knifepoint in Amsterdam three times.

Voyager2002

carmel11 wrote: »

Most of the muggings appear to be either in crowded places or deserted places. Its probably drug related.Usual advice, don't walk alone at night, don't walk in areas where there aren't other tourists nearby. What made you chose this place for safety, safer compared to where? It is Africa.i have a friend who was mugged at knifepoint in Amsterdam three times.

While Cape Verde is a group of islands off the African coast (same as the Canaries), it is really not Africa. The native population are mainly descended from Portuguese settlers, and the standard of living and quality of government is a good deal higher than anything you'll find on mainland Africa.