The Royal Virgin Islands police force say they are seeing a rise in reports of incidents involving persons with mental illness or those displaying similar behavior in the Virgin Islands.
In a recent statement the RVIPF officials said that on February 22nd, 2022 a Long Bush female resident reported that she responded to a knock at her door around 9:30pm. A man entered and tried to force himself on her. Thankfully persons in the area responded to her cries for help and the perpetrator who appeared to be unbalanced was apprehended and taken to the Behavioral Ward of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for evaluation.
The statement added that both the female victim and the person who came to her aid received injuries in the scuffle.
Recently, at least three females reported being grabbed or almost grabbed by a known mentally ill male over the last two weeks. Two of the incidents were in the Road Town area and another was at Long Bay, Beef Island.
Over a week ago, a male destroyed the windscreens of 26 vehicles parked in the parking lot of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital with a stick. He is said to be presently under observations at the Behavioural Ward of the hospital as well.
Shortly after that incidence, a few days later, the owner of another three vehicles found motor oil thrown on their vehicles while parked adjacent to Republic Bank.
Officials say charges cannot be brought against persons confirmed to be mentally ill by law, however the RVIPF is asking that persons report any such incidents immediately so the individual can be apprehended. Residents are also being asked to be mindful of their surroundings.
The rise in such incidents began in August of 2021.
Residents continue to call for better social services and monitoring of persons with mental illness for the safety of other residents.