The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging East End residents and business owners to tighten security following a recent wave of burglaries in the area, particularly in the Greenland and Long Look communities.
In a press release on Tuesday, November 5, the RVIPF revealed that over the past week, more than seven incidents were reported, sparking heightened concern and increased patrols in the affected areas.
The break-ins, targeting both commercial and residential properties, have prompted Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool to stress the importance of community cooperation and proactive measures to secure properties.
“The safety and security of our communities is a priority for the RVIPF, but community partnership is vital to addressing this issue,” she stated, emphasizing that functional CCTV systems are key to deterring crime and assisting investigations. Security footage has proven effective in identifying suspects, making it an essential tool for police efforts.
The RVIPF provided a list of crime prevention tips to help residents enhance their property security:
- CCTV Installation: Ensure cameras are functional and properly placed to capture entry points.
- Secure Entry Points: Lock all doors and windows, especially when properties are unattended.
- Use Exterior Lighting: Motion-sensor lights can discourage potential intruders.
- Community Watch Networks: Increase vigilance and report any suspicious activity immediately to neighbors and the police.
To support the community, the RVIPF has deployed additional patrols throughout East End, and detectives are actively investigating recent burglary cases. The police encourage residents and business owners to secure their premises and provide any relevant information to assist ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information on the recent burglaries is urged to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477 if calling from overseas.