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Armed robbers strike @ Fine Foods in East End

January 1st, 2017 | Tags: Fine Foods Armed Robbery cash taken gunmen gun crime
The robbery on Fine Foods Supermarket reportedly occurred around 10:00 P.M.on December 31, 2016. Photo: Team of Reporters
The robbery on a supermarket in East End took place not too far from the East End Police Station. Photo: VINO/File
The robbery on a supermarket in East End took place not too far from the East End Police Station. Photo: VINO/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- The question of who is next has been answered as armed robbers made their way into Fine Foods in East End and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash last evening, December 31, 2016.

According to reports, no one was injured in the ordeal.

It is not clear at this time how many gunmen pounced on the store.

With the recent spate of armed robberies in the Virgin Islands and with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) not being able to close in on the perpetrators, a talk show host had said the big question on many minds is “Who is next?”

Spate of armed robberies

It was on November 24, 2016 that heavily armed men pounced on Riteway East End, carting off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police also reported that on Saturday evening, December 10, 2016 around 9:00 P.M. a female reported that she was walking in the Vanterpool Estate area when a masked gunman approached her and demanded her handbag that contained her laptop, personal documents and cash.

On December 12, 2016 the proprietor of Huntums Ghut Service Station was robbed of cash by two masked gunmen while in Huntums Ghut.

A double armed robbery then occurred on December 15, 2016, firstly on Delta Service Station in Pasea Estate, which was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash around 3:00 A.M. by a gunman who gained entry to the cashier's section by shooting at the glass door.

That same evening Billy’s Superette in Long Bush was also robbed by a lone gunman.

39 Responses to “Armed robbers strike @ Fine Foods in East End”

  • ASKING (01/01/2017, 03:29) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want to know b how so they know the appointed hour to strike?
    • assumed (01/01/2017, 08:52) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      I guess they are observers who watch the movements monitor all what's taking place and strike when they think its a good time for them , they need to stop, it's scary, all lives matters , these workers are traumatized, people stop it please!!!!!!!!!!!!
      • Dont Worry (02/01/2017, 00:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        They will one day try to rob the wrong person
        Jus be patient
    • Really (01/01/2017, 14:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      those guys from rite in long look n around close by they know wha time the store close ,they said they were hitting but they was dead serious. anyhow the cashier who opened the door n the foolish guard needs sending home ,reason being the door was already lock with the guard outside .Big man bang on the door telling the cashier to open the door foolish cashier unlock the door to let the thieves in.so much people was outside the station is a minute away i wonder how long it took them to come
  • Ciizen (01/01/2017, 06:55) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Bible say do not steal, You all go ahead. You all pig will come to a fine market. Who don't hear does feel.
  • Well, no (01/01/2017, 07:36) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The question of who WAS next has been answered. We still don't know who IS next, because these crims will keep at it until they are caught. They are not smart enough quit while they are ahead.
  • enough (01/01/2017, 07:44) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am saddened by this news this morning. A sad New Year today for the staff of Fine Food who had to endure that last night. We have been having a spade of robberies and there seem to be no end to the uncertainty of our Little Nation. It is indeed a shame that to date we cannot have CCTV Cameras all over the BVI (we are small enough). It is a shame that to date business persons including security companies cannot have guns to protect businesses. The police try their best; with their limited resource but it is not enough. As business persons we need to come together and demand the right to protect ourselves, our businesses and our staff. Only when we STAND UP and say ENOUGH will the politicians listen. We will no longer be like the ostrich with our heads in the sand and continue to let the little hood rats destroy our beautiful British Virgin Islands. WE HAVE HAD ENOUH!!!...If you are a serious business person and want to see a different BVI state your concerns under this post. If enough of us, come together and say we have had ENOUGH then and only then will a CHANGE COME. Otis Redding said it best – “A Change Is Gonna Come” Lets be the change for our BVI.
  • zoe (01/01/2017, 08:23) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    My god
  • Bounty hunter (01/01/2017, 08:28) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    2016 gone, 2017 here. Thieves, scoundrels, pretentious wicked ones you can run from your sins but you cannot hide. Karma is a bitch. If you had fun robbing someone else in 2016, look out for your faith in 2017. Your past will follow you into the future. Mr. Karma never forgets. Welcome to the new BVI 2017. Wishing for positive things in 2017 starting with finding the menaces to society one by one. Blessings.
  • Bandit (01/01/2017, 08:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This place is out of control. Nature's little secret is going to the dogs
  • Sarcasm (01/01/2017, 09:10) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    they are ringing in the new year right
  • AWAL (01/01/2017, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    where is the governor and police chief?
    • New Year's Pledge (01/01/2017, 10:16) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      A happy New Year to all, and may God bless you and your families abundantly!

      To AWOL, the correct question is, "Why are we all remaining silent and not assisting the Governor and Police in ratting out and apprehending these criminals?" The authorities cannot do their job alone. As citizens, we should be in partnership with them to foster law and order in these still beautiful Virgin Islands. This New Year's Day let each of us make a resolution to be a positive voice in the change for the betterment we wish to see!
  • sad day (01/01/2017, 09:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where are the police ?
    Them man need shaking up!
    From the yellow place with the red turf mark to the upper east also long look Aand the greens
  • de silent one (01/01/2017, 09:56) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Its a shame to see that the police station is so close and not even one of them see it necessary to have been in the area don't a patrol knowing the state of affair with these robberies, where is the supervision at that station? But they find the necessary time to go over at the businesses in Trellis Bay and close them down from making a legitimate dollar. You have to do much better than what you'll are doing.
    • Stop Harass business eslablishments (01/01/2017, 15:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Same thing I say these police idea of policing is going and harassing bar owners.. instead of being out patrolling... I have seen this so many times stop wasting effort on people making an honest dollar and go harass and look for the criminals
    • Aso e go (01/01/2017, 20:06) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Listen the silent one,
      These parm, parm police in tola are real cowerds for real them nam would a run when them see gun when them police hear gun man them nsr move.
    • Sickening (03/01/2017, 03:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ de silent one I so agree with you. Francia James out shutting down jam and business place getting robbed.
  • santana (01/01/2017, 10:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    the govermet said they had jobs for the youths i guess the had eat some how .. who feels it knows it ayo for get where u come from
  • @Awal (01/01/2017, 10:35) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Govner is France and the Chief is on a retreat on Private Island.
  • zo6e 6 has no gangs (01/01/2017, 11:31) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Zone 7 is crime infested
  • W*F (01/01/2017, 12:02) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Damn. Right in the police station back yard. Something needs to be done, because these criminals are getting more brazen. What I don't understand though, is how exactly are the police going to respond to an armed robbery in progress, even if the security guard is able to call them. Maybe the governor and police chief can make their strategy public, if they have a devised plan.
  • rastaman (01/01/2017, 12:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    the crime monster continued to stalk the land...SMH
  • weed (01/01/2017, 12:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government has tried to address the crime problem but has failed.
  • vip (01/01/2017, 12:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the NDP?
  • 3rd wirl cop CAPONE (01/01/2017, 13:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Once again the infamous Ratty gang make a clean getaway
    Superintendent
    • NSC (01/01/2017, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please zzzzzzz
    • True (01/01/2017, 16:03) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      This Ratty gang will soon be eradicated. Believe this, the owner/manager need to pay close attention to who they hire. Something is wrong on the inside. These guys knows how and when to strike.
  • Bvi platinum dont be posting man comments (01/01/2017, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad story indeed
  • vi youths (01/01/2017, 17:06) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
    no jobs, no food, broken promises by the government trust we more to come
    • Monkey Criminals. (01/01/2017, 19:30) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was a guard and no place I guard ever got robbed. The ROBBERS are like monkeys they know what tree to ship on. I always have my protection...The Criminals will come by and call me criminal and a murderer...The first a guard must think about is guarding themselve
  • watchful (01/01/2017, 18:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like many of our readers, I am deeply troubled by these events. It is time that we as locals and residents...those who are truly concern about our country. We cannot allow these bandits to keep us in fear. Someone will get hurt that is my biggest worry. What will happen if some business owner arm him/herself and kill one of these thugs? The most worrisome thing is that people know who are committing these crimes but are refusing to say something. I normally do not criterzise the Police but I know that guns are available to them than before. You know when these business places are likely to be closed and these bandits strike under the cover of darkness. Why not increased your patrol? Two or more armed plain clothe Officers should be on foot and at lease two others doing moblle. Close the stations in the districts during this time and hit the area. Look it seems to me as if the force are hiring cowards. Do not blame the new man he came and met here the way it is. Where are the district leaders? They should organise meetings talk to the residents. Business owners get smart. Make some deposits during the day so when and if you are robb you loose just a few hours cash. Finally it is obvious that legislations have to enacted to allow business owners and security guards to carry firearms Force should be met with equal force.
  • Wendy (01/01/2017, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It wasn't me, but I heard five gun shots Iin the Greenland area a little after 4am.

  • street reporter. (01/01/2017, 19:21) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Careless. Very Careless. Deliberately putting their staff in harm's way...They knew it was coming. They were told to get Arm police Guard.. Cheap or the White care about money than black lives... The traumatized staff should sea the company for negligence that put their lives at risk.
    • Lawyer. (02/01/2017, 02:40) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Staff really need to Sue the company for neglecting to provvide approximate security for protecting their lives
  • Phantom (01/01/2017, 22:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those guys who is up and down robbing, they are going to walk into a web real
    Soon. The same way they plotting, trust me, someone is watching and plotting on them. Like Clint Eastwood famous saying, Make my day.


  • The Police Drop the ball. (02/01/2017, 02:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Police waste. Waste waste. No leadership no plan no motivation. They know the closing time of these large businesses close. If they don't know it their job to find out and some serious foot and mobile patrol in the area. It's a small area to cover....The police drop the ball.
  • tola (02/01/2017, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Inside job


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