U.S. Tourists are Targeted by Armed Robbers in North End of San Pedro

Hilberto Romero

Two groups of U.S. nationals were robbed on the north end of San Pedro on Friday morning. Visitor Paul Maurl reported that around ten a.m., he and his family left a resort in San Pedro to go fishing on the northern tip of the island. On their return to the resort, four masked men armed with guns and machetes exited the bushes and rob them of their belongings. The culprits stole an assortment of jewellery, fishing gear, cash and credit card – all to a total value of sixteen thousand, four hundred and sixty-five U.S. dollars.  While the Maurl family was being robbed, American national Mark Knaus and Belizean manager Miguel Gongora of Belmopan drove up in their golf cart. They too were targeted and robbed of their jewellery, electronics, tools and other personal documents. Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero spoke of the investigation into the armed robberies.

Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“There were two robberies north of San Pedro Town, about thirteen miles up the coast where two tourists that were with other persons were on golf carts in the area. They were approached by four armed male persons wearing masks; the persons asked them to lay on the ground and they proceeded to rob them. They were robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and personal belongings. Thereafter, at some point, one of the male persons fired a shot as a warning so that they leave the particular area. Investigation is ongoing into this matter at this time.”

Reporter

“What kinda police presence is there in that area of San Pedro?”

Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero

“Well there is a patrol that goes up in that area and we have sent additional personnel and investigators to deal with that robbery.”