Detectives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are diligently investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred overnight at a residence in John’s Hole, Tortola.
The incident marks the second home invasion within two weeks, raising significant concern among the BVI community.
According to initial reports, two masked individuals armed with firearms entered the home, assaulted a female occupant, and quickly fled after other residents were alerted to their presence. The RVIPF has extended necessary support and assistance to the victims while intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins expressed his alarm over the recent surge in violent home invasions.
“This disturbing turn of events in the local crime patterns has understandably caused an elevated level of concern among all well-thinking and law-abiding residents, but this new crime trend should also spur society toward action,” he stated.
This incident follows a similar home invasion in Slaney Hill on June 5, 2024, during which a female resident was also assaulted. The RVIPF says it is prioritizing the investigations of both cases, recognizing them as indicative of a troubling and increasingly violent trend among local criminals.
The police are pursuing several lines of inquiry to bring the offenders to justice and are calling on the public for assistance.
“Persons can confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 284-368-9339. Any information, no matter how seemingly insufficient, could be important to solving these crimes,” the RVIPF stated.