With residential and business burglaries presently down by 71 percent when compared to 2021, the Royal Virgin Islands Police is asking the public to mark their tools and electronic items to further deter potential thieves.
The RVIPF made the appeal on Tuesday, after noting that crime was down in the aforesaid category of burglaries.
The police said that officers confiscated many tools and other items with no identifiable marks which made it difficult for them to prosecute offenders and ultimately return stolen items.
Head of the Criminal Investigations Department Acting Chief Inspector Gilbert Charles linked the decline of residential and business burglaries to the arrests of suspected perpetrators and the community’s effort to mark and secure these items.
He said, “These tools range in price between $500 to $1,000. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ensure that the items are marked and recognizable when seen. Once identified, not only is the tool returned to its rightful owner, but the thief who claims ownership can be arrested and charged. This simple precaution substantially reduces the incentive to steal.”
The RVIPF said that the surge in burglaries last year largely occurred in unfinished homes and sheds where tools were stored. This resulted in significant losses to owners.
The police said they would like the trend to continue by individuals taking the necessary steps.