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 made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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