Superintendent Paula Alleyne of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued an urgent appeal to vehicle rental companies to enhance security practices following a spike in vehicle thefts across the territory, many of which involve rental cars being used in the commission of serious crimes.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, Alleyne highlighted the troubling trend, noting that the first two weeks of 2025 have already seen an uptick in thefts.
“What we see happening, particularly at the sea ports, is that tourists often leave rental vehicles with the keys inside. Perpetrators then take these vehicles, which are later used to commit serious crimes,” Alleyne explained.
The Superintendent also noted that criminals are removing license plates from derelict vehicles and affixing them to stolen cars, further complicating police investigations.
“When a crime is reported and we investigate, the presence of incorrect registration plates can mislead us into thinking we have identified the correct vehicle,” she said.
Recommendations for Rental Companies
Superintendent Alleyne urged rental companies to implement strategies to prevent theft, such as:
- Requiring drivers to leave keys in a secure drop box rather than inside vehicles.
- Arranging for vehicle pickups at designated times.
- Collaborating with the Port Authority to establish drop-off points for keys.
“These measures would not only aid law enforcement but also protect the rental businesses and their customers,” she emphasized.
Appeal to the Community
Alleyne also called on residents to address the issue of derelict vehicles with attached license plates and to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity.
“We’re all in this together—it’s not just about the police, but about the community working with us,” she said.
Call for Witnesses in Recent Crimes
Addressing the recent murder of 20-year-old Quentin Noel, the BVI’s first homicide of the year, Alleyne urged anyone with information to come forward.
“When crimes are committed, someone in the community knows or hears something. We need you to speak up,” she said.
Information can be shared by contacting the police hotline at 311, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477), or the Prime Intelligence Department at 368-9339.
As the RVIPF continues its fight against rising crime, Alleyne stressed the importance of collective efforts to “take a bite out of crime” and ensure the safety of the BVI community.