“Although most visits to Tobago are trouble free, crime against tourists in Tobago and the inability of the Tobago authorities to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators remains a concern. The authorities on the island are taking positive steps and the situation is beginning to improve,” is how the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office begins its description of Tobago.
The update came in the second paragraph, “In 2008 there have been a number of serious robberies against tourists and residents. Some of these incidents have been accompanied by violence, including attempted rape. A resident Swedish couple were murdered at their villa in Bon Accord on 9 October 2008. Caution is therefore advised when renting villas in the south west of the island. All villas should have adequate security measures in place, including the provision of external security lighting, grills and 24-hour security guards. You should be aware of your surroundings at all times and preferably carry a mobile ‘phone with roaming capability for use in emergency. Petty theft from cars has also increased.”
Visitors were also advised to visit isolated beaches such as Englishman’s Bay and King Peter’s bay only as a member of an organised group. Consult your tour operator if in doubt.