Crime/Police
East End Long Look Police Station Left Unattended For Hours, Says Residents
Community Threatens Protest Action And Demands 24-Hour Police Protection
Some residents of East End have today accused the police of leaving the East End Long Look Police Station in Tortola attended for hours and have threatened to organise a protest.
In an interview with JTV, a resident explained that on July 2 at around 8 a.m., she visited the station to file a report and found an empty building.
There were no members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in the station for hours.
“The place has been abandoned. I am here knocking at the window and no officer present. We are wide open and at high risk,” the distressed woman shared, adding that “we need to strike (protest) at the East End Police Station.”
She is calling on the Commissioner of Police Mark Collins to address the issue, while stressing that residents are entitled to round the clock police protection.
“Let’s get a message to the head cop that we don’t appreciate being left unattended especially at the station a day after (gun) shots,” she shared, adding that “someone could have been running from an attacker thinking the police would have been there to rescue them, but it’s seems they would have ran into a dead end and possibly to their death. This issue must be fixed immediately.”
On Saturday, July 1 several gunshots were fired in Long Look. No one was reportedly injured.
A short while later, two armed bandits robbed the House of Luxury jewellery store of an undisclosed sum of valuable in the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park.
They fired several gun shots in the air while fleeing the scene of the crime.
The frustrated East End resident shared that “it’s too often man. We are tired and fearful as this is an overly active community. The Commissioner of Police needs to respect us in our own environment, our community and honour our requests. We are entitled to have a fully staff station in East End on a 24-hour basis.”
She added: “The only ones here are the Governor and Commissioner in photo forms hanging on the wall of this station.”
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.
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:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- 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).
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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