A rise in dwelling burglaries has been detected in Tortola with 11 more registered when compared to the same period in 2022.
This was confirmed by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in a media release on Thursday that said the burglaries showed that cash, jewelry and tools were the items predominately stolen during the incidents.
“Main areas affected are within the Road Town area to include Huntums Ghut, Horse Path, Pasea Estate, Lower Estate, Free Bottom, Main Street and McNamara. Perpetrators often gain entry to homes during the day through unsecured windows, especially those obscured from public view,” the RVIPF stated.
Speaking on the development was Head of the Criminal Investigations Department Acting Detective Chief Inspector Vernon Larocque who said that most victims had one window left unsecured that often needed repairing.
“In too many instances, this is the window that a perpetrator uses to gain access. Homeowners should take the time to repair the locking mechanism for any inoperable windows and lock all windows that allow for easy access. Burglars are looking for any weak points of entry. If there is not an easy way to enter, a burglar will likely move on,” the acting chief inspector stated.
He also advised homeowners to install home security cameras to enhance surveillance of their properties.
“Another easy deterrent is closed circuit television. In this modern era, CCTV is accessible, inexpensive, and easy to install. The footage can be stored remotely on the cloud and can be monitored in real time from any location around the world. Law enforcement can also be alerted while the offence is being committed,” Larocque stated.
He added, “While there are no full-proof measures to prevent burglaries, there is some peace of mind knowing that even if you are not at home, there are eyes keeping watch and recording activities in and around your property.”
To assist the RVIPF with information about burglaries, residents are asked to contact the Crime Stoppers line 800-8477 (TIPS) or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.