Crime/Police
Burglaries On The Increase In The Territory
Burglaries have been on the rise in the Territory, prompting the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to issue a warning to residents.
Over the past week, both homes and businesses have fallen victim to break-ins and attempted break-ins, resulting in the loss of cash and valuable items.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Larocque, head of the Criminal Investigations Department, has recorded three burglaries and four attempted burglaries within the past 48 hours.
Crandall in Road Reef was burglarised around 1 am on October 10. The following day police confirmed a break-in at VI Motors Gas Station in the early hours of the morning.
While most residential burglaries have been unsuccessful attempts, the increasing volume of reports is a cause for concern. Commissioner of Police Mark Collins aims to reassure the public, stating that the RVIPF is committed to investigating and prosecuting the offenders. He urges the public to report any information that can help identify and apprehend these criminals.
In response, the RVIPF is urging residents to take proactive measures to enhance the security of their properties.
To safeguard their homes and businesses, residents are advised to follow these valuable tips:
1. Install CCTV cameras: By installing surveillance cameras in and around their premises, residents can monitor activities and deter potential burglars.
2. Utilize alarm systems and lighting: Utilizing alarm systems and ensuring that the exterior of the property is well-lit can act as deterrents to would-be intruders.
3. Secure doors and windows: It is crucial to securely lock doors and windows, especially when away from the premises, to reduce the risk of unauthorized entry.
4. Regularly inspect and maintain locking mechanisms: Regular inspections and maintenance of window locks ensure that they are fully operational. Any faulty locks should be promptly repaired or replaced.
5. Safeguard valuable possessions: Residents are advised to photograph their valuable possessions in their respective locations within their homes. Creating a detailed inventory list, including serial numbers or specific identifying marks, can aid in identifying stolen items.
6. Establish a neighborhood watch group: Residents can establish neighborhood watch groups through platforms like WhatsApp. By acting as vigilant observers, community members can promptly report suspicious incidents to their fellow neighbors and the police.
Individuals with information regarding any of the recent burglaries can contact the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or dial 1-284-800-8477 from overseas. They can also reach out to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. All information will be treated confidentially. By working together, the community and the police can combat the increase in burglaries and ensure the safety and security of the Territory.
Former police officer Harris Walters was sentenced to 32 months in prison today after being found guilty of two counts of assaulting a minor. Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards handed down the sentence nearly ten months after Walters’ conviction, ruling that both sentences will run concurrently.
The charges against Walters stem from incidents dating back to 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors detailed that the first assault occurred in 2014, involving a child with whom Walters had a parent-child relationship. The court further heard that in July 2015, while accompanying the child to a police station on one of the territory’s sister islands, Walters engaged in inappropriate conduct. The child had traveled with him to visit a family friend.
Later that same month, prosecutors said Walters took the child to a hotel, where another act of assault occurred. The prosecution also revealed that he gave the child a sum of money.
The matter came to light when the child confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation. A subsequent medical examination at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital corroborated the allegations. Walters was arrested and charged following the investigation.
Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Walters was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court and was initially released on $70,000 bail before sentencing.
Isabella Merton, a woman convicted in 2020 of grievous bodily harm, has been ordered deported from the British Virgin Islands by Governor Daniel Pruce. The deportation order, signed on February 21, directs Merton to leave the territory within seven days of receiving official notice.
Merton, who lived in Josiah’s Bay at the time of her arrest, was found guilty of striking a man with her vehicle, resulting in a broken ankle.
According to court records, the incident stemmed from a dispute involving Merton’s boyfriend. On the day in question, the victim had been involved in an altercation with Merton’s partner. Later, as he walked through an area in Greenland, Tortola, Merton allegedly drove toward him at high speed.
The victim attempted to evade the vehicle but was struck on his right side. The Jeep reportedly turned and drove toward him again, prompting him to jump into a nearby ghut to avoid further injury.
While in the ghut, the victim claimed Merton pointed a firearm at him and threatened his life. Another man reportedly intervened and pulled her away.
Merton was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; however, the court dismissed that charge due to insufficient evidence.
In his official order, Governor Pruce stated that Merton is not deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands and that her presence in the territory is “undesirable and not conducive to the public good.” The order was issued under section 40(1)(b) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised Edition 2013).
Merton is required to leave the territory within seven days of receiving the order. If she does not voluntarily depart, authorities are authorized to place her on the first available departing vessel or aircraft. She may also be detained until her removal unless she files a written appeal with the governor within the specified timeframe.
At this time, it remains unclear where Merton is originally from.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Forc e (RVIPF) have charged Akiba Forde, Kwayne Francis, and a 17-year-old male in connection with separate cases of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm.
On February 7 at approximately 21:29 hours, the RVIPF arrested and charged Akiba Forde, 42, of Paraquita Bay for Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. He was granted bail in the amount of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear at the Magistrate’s Court on 20 March 2025.
The following day, February 8, at approximately 08:59 hours, police arrested and charged Kwayne Francis, 26, of Cane Garden Bay for Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. He was also granted bail in the amount of $5,000 and is set to appear in court on 20 March 2025.
A 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm on February 15, at approximately 14:50 hours,. He was granted bail in the amount of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear at the Magistrate’s Court March 27, 2025.
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Former Police Officer Sentenced to 32 Months for Sexually Assaulting Minor
Governor Orders Deportation of Isabella Merton Following 2020 Assault Conviction
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