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Increased break-ins & thefts blamed on recession not Cash for Gold!

- Premier Smith said break ins are not surprising
The reported spike in home break-ins and theft is not being blamed on the Cash for Gold business. Photo: Apex Self Defense
Premier Smith says the unwelcome trend in break-ins and thefts could be linked to the global economic recession.
Premier Smith says the unwelcome trend in break-ins and thefts could be linked to the global economic recession.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The reported increase in break-ins and thefts recently in the Territory is not necessarily being blamed on the Cash for Gold business that takes place certain days of the week but according to Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, the unwelcomed trend is not surprising and could be as a result of the global economic crisis, which has not spared the Virgin Islands.

“It is true that we are seeing an increased number of break-ins at least recently and in some ways it is not surprising because first of all there is a whole question of this general recession worldwide, which is also affecting the BVI and we know that jobs are scarce....and we know that people, anywhere in the world when these things happen, there will be people who may see the need to use other methods to secure themselves,” Premier Smith said on NDP Radio on February 20, 2012.

Host of the talk show, Eileene L. Parsons, however, said the general feeling is that the Cash for Gold may have some bearing on the nefarious activities. “All of a sudden we have this Cash for Gold and it is coming in Thursday, Friday and Saturday and people are feeling that the break-ins and the stealing of gold things are as a result of this.”

Parsons also noted there is no way that the visiting business persons can prove that items may be stolen even though the sellers are required to produce identification.

She added that she found out that in certain other Caribbean countries the Cash for Gold business was stopped because authorities there found that there was an increase in break-ins and theft of gold articles suspected to be as a direct result of the business.

Premier Smith, however, said the Cash for Gold business is not being viewed as a factor at this time but Government would intervene in the business if it needs to. “The police has been looking at this matter very, very closely and they are not convinced that it is as a direct result of the Cash for Gold, however, we are also looking at it very closely and we will soon make a determination whether it is necessary to intervene somewhere as far as that particular activity is concerned.”

16 Responses to “Increased break-ins & thefts blamed on recession not Cash for Gold!”

  • Victim (22/02/2012, 06:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course it is the cash for gold that is the basis for a lot of the burglaries. My house was broken into-all that was taken was gold jewelry-do you think these items were taken just to be worn???? I think not. The cash for gold operators need to be closed down effective immediately !!!!!
    • Victim Too (22/02/2012, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I feel you sister. My home was burglarized in November and earlier in 2011 and none of my electronics or otherhousehold items were taken, ONLY GOLD - JEWELLERY = no silver was taken either.
      • Another Victim (22/02/2012, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        When I called for the POPO they only upset me and I am sure that they do not give a hoot where my gold is. They wanted to know how the burglar knew where to find my gold. What did they think, I left my gold hanging on the bed post or squat in the middle of the bed so they would not have to search. They are thieves that is how they knew where to look for my gold, they searched my place and took what they wanted. If the popo wanted to find anything they could go to the cash for gold peeps and search for missing gold as described or make it so that the victims could see the items cash for gold has so they can identify their own. They do not give a rats ask about recovering our items.
        • home owner (22/02/2012, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          the story of residenta and the homes been broekn into is just sicken...we have lost our way in the BVI...sad.
          • house break (23/02/2012, 22:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            this trade license needs to be revoked as it has started a black market..... a bad sign that is encouraging thiefing and breaking into people homes for goal …
  • Bull Bud (22/02/2012, 08:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doc is fast asleep. There is no doubt in the minds of the public that cash for gold is feeding the break-ins. Furthermore, not all of the gold is being sold through the cash for gold stores. Some is being sold to some young middle east merchants. Check them out.
  • Brap (22/02/2012, 09:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That goes without say: this gold would be traded for monies, and since there is a high demand for gold, we know for a fact that the Cash for Gold businesses are the ones who are paying people for these things. I feel whether or not the recession was in effect, there still would be some robberies as there are some people who still wouldn't work if you asked them...these businesses, have not by objectives, opened door for crime causation. They have been many of these businesses in existance long before the recession, but there has been more publicity on the Cash for Gold markets and more of these businesses have opened since the recession period has hit the global economy. Why? A lot of people have lost money, but a lot of them do own jewelr, and since they may need some quick cash to pay off whatever bills they have. Of course no one is visiting the banks right now...no one could afford a loan at this time! The day of borrowing from a friend or relative is over...cause they feeling the same blow you feeling. While I do appreciate the fact that if I'm in a jam I can trade in some of my jewelry for cash, i don't appreciate the idea that some bum would enter my home, take my jewelry to pocket some cash.
  • teller prom (22/02/2012, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cannot believe a leader of a country will say he was not surprise by crime…I guess once he is off the written and provided script he is useless to himself.
  • Not2Sure (22/02/2012, 10:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't care *why* burglaries are on the increase - what I do care about is what the Government is planning to do to get things back under control so that people feel safe in their own homes again.
  • Jack johnson (22/02/2012, 14:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It was a terrible mistake for the Trade Department to issue that business a license to operate a cash for gold scheme.
  • police call (23/02/2012, 08:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    let us hear from the police as to what the issue are o what they think!!!
  • attention (23/02/2012, 10:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    his wife who suppose to be an advisor should tell him to check what the police have said in st. thomas, barbados and St. Kitts about the cash for goal ting...get up to speed orlando.
  • Eyes Wide Open (23/02/2012, 13:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So recession is the reason why teenage boys are being nabbed for burglarizing homes? I doubt it. It's pure greed. Do the parents really think their child is installing a brand new muffler on their scooter that a friend gave them? Open your eyes mom and dad.
  • robbers game (23/02/2012, 22:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is how it works, the thieves rob people in Tortola and the homes of we then they go to St Thomas to sell their take...wake up Dr. Smith and BVI Police
  • E. Leonard (24/02/2012, 06:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The cash for gold program may be a contributing factor to the increasing break ins. The police needs to provide closer oversight of these businesses, And if the businesses should demand receipts or other proof of ownership with every transaction. There is a demand and there will be suppliers at the right price. In some locales in the US, pawnshops and police departments formed partnerships. The shops report suspicions transactions and police can review transaction records. Is the cash for gold program the primary factor for the increase in property crimes? Or could it due to cyclical unemployment cause by a contraction of the business cycle? Or could it be lack of proper preparation of our youth for the world of work? Studies have shown that high and rising unemployment results in increased property crimes. Other results include personal savings depletion, stress and other psychological issues, divorce, child abandonment, family violence, health issues and other crimes. High unemployment also impacts real GDP.


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