Canadian man shot dead in BAQ

[Montrealer]

Yesterday a Canadian man, John Haid, from Ontario was shot dead in a robbery.  He was here with his wife and 3 month old daughter for Carnaval, when 2 guys on a motorcycle tried to rob him for his laptop and since he couldn't communicate, they shot him.  He passed away in the hospital.

Here's the link to the El Heraldo story.

http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/4/4ladrones_asesinan_a_canadiense_por_un_computador/4ladrones_asesinan_a_canadiense_por_un_computador.asp?CodSeccion=29

Remember for newbies that are coming to Colombia, that you are not in Kansas anymore and to take extra precautions when coming down.  I've lived here for over 2 years and never had anything happen, because I take precautions.

[mudd]

wow, you never hear anything happening in BAQ,  that's a shocker!!!!  when walking around in any city, don't carry a laptop, bag, or anything of value that might give somebody the idea of robbing you. doesn't matter the city, Med, Cali, Baq, Bog, a target is a target in any city.

[curranti]

THat sucks! 

Acutally quite the contrary, i have had more friends with problems in BAQ than anywhere else.  Im sure its the un luck of the draw.

[Maria]

The amount of robberies increase during carnavales time in BQA. Although BQA is safe compared to other cities in Colombia, It becomes very unsafe during carnavales.

Walking around town with a laptop is not a smart thing to do.

The area where this occurred is somewhat middle class; crime has a increased in this area. It used to be pretty calm but lately, I hear of robberies going on almost every day. All of this is due to the fact that criminals want to enjoy the festivities as well.


THERE IS NO NEED TO WALK AROUND WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF $$$ OR WITH EXPENSIVE JEWELERY, CEL PHONES, CAMARAS, LAPTOPS. DO NOT BECOME AND EASY TARGET.



Always stay at Hotels situated north of town, where the rich do whatever it takes to be safe. And even in then be careful.  I don't agree with guys who want to safe a buck or two by staying at their girlfriend's  house who live in unsafe barrios. It is crazy... But if you choose to do so you need to be extra cautious and  do not show off.... 

The safety of a Barrio House does not compare to the safety of a Hotel. Where there are people getting paid to protect the guests.

FL

[Pivery]

  That's such a shame. Colombia starves for good tourism vibes and Carnival is a good way for foreigners to get a taste of a country that most people only thinks just kidnaps people and traffics cocaine. My lady is in BAQ and I always worry about her walking around, especially at night.
  I wish the police would crack down on these jokers who are giving their own country a bad name. Especially during this time when many people are from out of the country. I can only imagine what that poor guy's family thinks about Colombia now. I love Colombia and the obvious beauty it holds, but when I hear about things like this, I just shake my head. 

My condolences...

Pivery

[mudd]

unfortunately, Colombia is similar to Mexico, until you pay the police force a descent rate of pay for their work, they have no reason to put their life on the line and to catch criminals. until this changes, crimes like this will keep occurring