Crime/Police
Inside the Heist: Surveillance Footage Of The Daring Aladdin Jewellery Store Robbery Released
The daring armed robbery of Alladin Jewellery yesterday, February 9, caught on CCT Camera, shows the harrowing moments as at least three gun-wielding assailants stormed the premises, leaving staff members traumatised and fearing for their lives.
According to eyewitness accounts, the robbers, numbering four in total, brandished firearms as they forcefully entered the store, firing shots to gain access to locked glass cases. Despite attempts to break the cases with their bare hands, the assailants resorted to gunfire, causing chaos and panic among the staff and patrons present.
“At least three staff members were seen extremely traumatised but holding their corner as three of the four gun-toting bandits robbed the store,” one witness described, highlighting the sheer terror experienced by those caught in the midst of the robbery.
The intensity of the situation was further exacerbated by the recklessness of the perpetrators, who reportedly discharged their weapons indiscriminately, raising concerns about the safety of the staff and bystanders.
“Many have expressed that the staff could have been injured as the men carelessly let off shots in the store,” the witness added.
Video Footage provided by sources with access to CCTV footage out depicts three staff members (blotted-out)huddling together in a corner, seeking refuge from the mayhem unfolding around them.
One individual is seen crouching on her knees, presumably attempting to find a safer position alongside her colleagues as the robbers ransacked the store.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched a manhunt to apprehend the fugitive suspects. Despite efforts to identify and locate the perpetrators, the four men remain at large.
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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