Assault on two elderly ladies

While the government navel-gazes as to whether it should use "mano duro" or "mano suave" to combat Panama's out-of-control crime wave, these visitors relate what a "mano duro" robbery feels like.

Like so many “hidden” crimes, from home invasions to purse snatching, the victims prefer to remain anonymous.

“After a great four day visit, my 87 year old aunt was returning to Miami. I helped her with her bag in the elevator at 6:00 AM and as we arrived in the garage, I heard a car start and back up.

“My first reaction was that one of my neighbors was leaving for exercise, however, I realized the dark grey Yaris with tinted windows did not belong there. The car swung around in front of us; I tried to place the multilock key in the elevator door but it was too late. The around 17 year old, well dressed, hip-hop moreno stepped out of the back seat of the Yaris.

“While both of us screamed for help, he attacked my aunt first, clawing at her face trying to tear off her necklace. Her turtleneck blouse made it difficult for him to grab the jewelry. Frustrated, he shoved her down against the cement wall.

“He then turned to battle with me and I decided that he didn't have a knife or a gun so I took the challenge. I used my purse as a weapon but his razor sharp nails gouged my neck as he pulled off my necklace. He failed to get my purse but seemed happy to leave with only my necklace.

“The Yaris took off when they heard the elevator open with our security guard. As the guard helped my delirious aunt, I saw a KIA SUV try to enter our parking lot; another unknown car and obviously not a Good Samaritan. They were the "lookout" for the first car and they wanted to finish the job.

“I was able to shut the garage door from the far end so the KIA could not enter and I screamed that the guard was with us and he had a gun so they left. Fortunately, we were not severely hurt but they could have killed my aunt with the blow to her head and back.

“Later, we discovered the thieves broke a window of one of the cars and stole an IPod. Their "loot" tallied a gold plated necklace and an IPod.

“My aunt's final comment was: strongly worded, and somehow I feel she will not be returning to Panama.”

It pains me to hear this, as a resident, of Panama, and one who is waiting for police action.