Crime/Police
Surge in Tortola Burglaries Sparks Urgent Action, Tool Marking Recommended
Tortola finds itself grappling with a troubling escalation in non-residential burglaries, a reality highlighted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Criminal Investigations Department.
Since the year’s outset, incidents of burglary have surged compared to the same period last year.
Acting Chief Inspector Kendolph Bobb, at the helm of the department, emphasised that this surge has been particularly pronounced in incidents targeting businesses, storage facilities and construction sites, hotspots where high-value tools and machinery are frequently housed.
Responding to these unsettling trends, residents are being urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their possessions. One vital recommendation put forth is the marking of tools for swift identification. Additionally, individuals are advised to meticulously record serial numbers, capture photographic evidence and securely store their valuables.
Furthermore, business and residential proprietors are being strongly encouraged to fortify their properties, ensuring robust security measures are in place. This includes optimising lighting in surrounding areas and contemplating the installation of advanced security systems such as alarms and CCTV cameras.
Acting Chief Inspector Bobb emphasised the role of public cooperation in the ongoing battle against crime, underscoring the collective responsibility of every citizen in fostering a safer environment for all.
The fugitive known as John Dawn Emmanuel, also identified as Brent Dain Danglade and the alias “Small Brent,” who was first named by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in connection with the May 2025 murder of Nyron Erickson in Tortola, is now also being sought by authorities in Sint Maarten in relation to a separate double homicide investigation.
JTV News will continue following developments in this major regional manhunt.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
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