Crime/Police
House Burglaries On The Rise, Confirms RVIPF
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have confirmed that house burglaries are on the rise throughout main island Tortola
A June 8 RVIPF statement said the main areas affected within Road Town are include Huntums Ghut, Horse path, Pasea Estate, Lower Estate, Free bottom, Main Street and McNamara.
According to Police, perpetrators often gained entry into homes during the day through unsecured windows, especially those obscured from the public’s view.
Thieves predominately stole cash, jewelry and tools.
Head of the Criminal Investigations Department Acting Detective Chief Inspector Vernon Larocque said homeowners oftentimes secured all their windows except for one in need of repair.
“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,” Larocque said.
While there is no full proof way to stop burglaries, Larocque has advised residents to install home security cameras.
“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.”
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.”
Persons with any information on burglaries are asked to confidentially call the Crime Stoppers line 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas call 1-284-800-8477.
You can also contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit on 368-9339.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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