The British Virgin Islands has recorded a spike in criminal offences relating to theft of valuables out of motor vehicles and separate instances of predial larceny.
This is according to a Monday August 30 media release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
The Force indicated that they continue to receive reports of significant sums of money being stolen from purses and wallets left on the seat of unsecured vehicles.
“In two separate incidents, $700 was stolen from a wallet and $1000 from a purse. Both the wallet and the purse were in the front passenger seat when the monies were stolen. One perpetrator has been identified so far,” the RVIPF stated.
The law enforcers therefore urged residents to refrain from leaving valuables inside their parked vehicles and to secure their vehicle by locking them.
The RVIPF said, “Valuables such as handbags, laptops, cellular phones and jewelry left on top of seats or in the center console of vehicles provide the incentive needed for thieves to enter and steal. Police are discouraging persons from leaving valuables in their vehicles. However, if there is no alternative, persons should secure these items so they are not visible and lock vehicles every time.”
Predial larceny on the rise
The police also said there was an upsurge in reports relating to theft of bananas and other produce from farms located on the eastern end of Tortola.
“At least four farmers have reported their bananas and plantains stolen in the areas of Long Look, Greenland, Josiah Bay and Thomas Landing within the last two weeks. One farmer in Long Look reported that five hands of bananas were taken from his property in Long Look, while another farmer in East End discovered some 60 pounds of bananas missing,” the RVIPF explained.
The police force is therefore asking farmers to pass on any information that can assist in identifying possible perpetrators.
They also are encouraging the public to be on the lookout for individuals loitering and acting suspiciously in or around farms and report such activities to the East End Police Station at 368-9704.