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Crime/Police

32 New RVIPF Officers Reminded That They Are Guardians Of The Community

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Head of the Financial Investigation Agency in the British Virgin Islands Errol George reminded thirty-two new police officers, including Best Recruit Constable Keimar Greene, that they are now servants and guardians of the community committed to the service of justice during the May 18 commencement ceremony.

George was the keynote speaker at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) graduation ceremony which was held on the grounds of the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Paraquita Bay in Tortola.

“Today marks a new journey as you embark on a worthwhile career of service to the community. As police and auxiliary officers you are servants and guardians of the public. Policing is a noble profession, no one forced you to choose it, you chose it of your own free will. By so doing you have an obligation to live up to the standards it requires. You have also committed yourself to the service of justice,” George said.

The new recruits – 14 constables and 18 auxiliaries – completed a six months rigiour basic training programme and will now fill vacancies in the newly restarted community policing division which is intended to strengthen relations between the public and the Force. 

Before a crowd of well wishers, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to active duty.

“Let me offer heartfelt congratulations to all of you for the successful completion of what I know was a tough six months of training, early  morning PT, late night drills and classes in between. I welcome you as you transition into the workplace where you are going to put now all of that training into practice.”

This is the sixth graduating class since the establishment of police training in the BVI. 

The new recruits will also be part of the foot patrol squad to provide more police visibility on the streets.

Governor John Rankin commended the officers for completing the training programme even faced with difficult exercises.

“I know that the tasks you have had to master as part of your training have demanded much of you. Demanded much of you in terms of your physical skills, in terms of your mental skills, in terms of your ability to learn new things, in terms of your resilience at points of adversity in your training. But you have lasted the course.”

Constable Keimar Greene received the President’s Award for Excellence for Best Recruit, the Commissioner’s Award for Best Recruit and the DCP Award for Best All-Around Recruit was Constable Keimar Greene. 

Auxilliary Ronesha Jackson was given the Commandant’s Award for Best Auxiliary and Highest Academic Achievement. Other awards were given to officers who excelled in the areas of academic excellence, integrity, perseverance, drills, leadership, discipline, evidence gathering, and physical fitness.

HLSS President Richard Georges told the group that the community expects every one of them to serve with decency and fairness.

“You are being placed today in positions of responsibility, position of leadership in your community and there will be placed upon you by this community the highest expectations of decency, of morality and of fairness.”

Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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Crime/Police

Spike in East End Burglaries Prompts RVIPF to Urge Heightened Security

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.

The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.

Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF

To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:

  1. Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
  2. Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
  3. Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
  4. Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.

“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”

Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).

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Crime/Police

Attempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill

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An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.

According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.

Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.

This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

 

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