PHILIPSBURG:--- A visiting tourist was robbed Wednesday evening in front of the Horizon View Hotel on Front Street, in the heart of Philipsburg, while waiting for friends to take him out to dinner.
According to witnesses, the visitor was standing near the hotel entrance shortly after sunset when an unknown individual approached and forcibly took personal belongings before fleeing the area. The incident left nearby business owners and shoppers visibly shaken.
Local merchants say the robbery highlights a troubling trend of increased street crime in Philipsburg’s main commercial zone — a concern that has been growing over recent months.
“It’s extremely discouraging,” said one store owner who witnessed the commotion. “This is the center of our tourism industry, and it keeps happening right in front of our businesses.”
Several business operators along Front Street say they now close earlier and have increased private security measures to protect staff and visitors.
“People come here to enjoy themselves, not to be afraid,” said another merchant. “Incidents like this are bad for everyone — the hotels, the shops, and the reputation of St. Maarten as a safe vacation spot.”
Shoppers nearby expressed frustration that the situation appears to be worsening, even in well-lit, busy areas.
“It could have been any of us,” one resident said. “It’s time for serious action before the town loses its appeal completely.”
As the high tourism season approaches, business owners say they hope for swift measures to restore safety and confidence in Philipsburg’s downtown area — once considered one of the island’s safest and most vibrant destinations.
Robbery Outside Front Street Hotel
Police are investigating a robbery that happened on Wednesday evening right in front of a hotel on Front Street.
Around 7:00 p.m. on October 22nd, Central dispatch received several calls about a robbery at the hotel entrance on Front Street. According to the preliminary investigation, a gray SUV pulled up to the hotel entrance, and a male suspect with a face covering jumped out and went straight to the male victim, who was standing having a conversation with the security outside the hotel.
The robber pulled out a gun and grabbed the victim’s gold chain. There was a short struggle between them, but the armed suspect managed to rip a gold chain off the victim's neck. The suspect ran back to the gray SUV, and they took off, heading toward Emma-plein.
Detectives from the Special Unit Robberies (SUR) are currently investigating this incident.
KPSM urges anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information that could assist in identifying the suspect or the vehicle involved to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542 2222 ext. 204 or 205. Anonymous tips can also be shared via the KPSM tip line at 9300, or in case of emergency, call 911.
If you see something, say something.
KPSM Press Release.
