Armed robberies and sexual assaults cited in renewed US warning for island getaway

The renewed Bahamas travel advisory warns American travelers of violent crime, sexual assaults and armed robberies, with Nassau and Freeport cited as hot spots.

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Americans heading to the Bahamas are being reminded to exercise increased caution after the U.S. State Department renewed its travel advisory for the island nation.
The Bahamas remains under a Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory, the State Department's second-lowest of four travel advisory levels.
The advisory, renewed this week, cited violent crime, burglaries, sexual assaults and armed robberies — reminding Americans that they can occur "anywhere in The Bahamas."
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"Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands," the State Department said.
"Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents."
The State Department also urged travelers to remain alert when staying at vacation rental properties, particularly those without private security.
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Officials also warned that boating in the Bahamas is not well regulated, noting that accidents have resulted in injuries and deaths.
"Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands," the advisory read.
"Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured."
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Officials are also urging visitors to stay alert on shore, citing reports of sexual assaults on and near downtown Nassau beaches.
"Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore," the alert added.
"Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injury and death."
The advisory also offers several personal safety recommendations for travelers, stating, "Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is."
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"Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors," the warning added.
"Do not physically resist any robbery attempt."
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for further details.
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The renewed advisory comes as U.S. officials continue to warn travelers about crime at other tropical island destinations.
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Earlier this summer, the State Department renewed its Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" travel advisory for Turks and Caicos, due to reports of assaults, petty crime and scams targeting tourists.
Recently, U.S. officials elevated Saint Lucia's travel advisory to Level 2, citing concerns about violent crime on the Caribbean island.