Officers of the RVIPF report that Shakeem Smith, 19, has been charged with 23 counts of burglary dating back to October 2011. Photo:VINO/File

The alleged offender was reported as being responsible over more than a year for a crime spree that left residents in fear for their safety and facing bills for damage caused through forced entry. Residents lost cash, electronics and jewellery, and the increase in “fear of crime” was widely reported at the time.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Alwin James is reported to have said “This was a long and detailed enquiry, one that is still ongoing. Unless you catch the offender in the act, it is hard to link an individual to a scene, without very strong evidence to satisfy the Court. Officers have used the very latest forensic scientific techniques to link these offences together. We are confident that we have built a strong case against this man, who has caused fear and misery amongst his own community.

Acting Deputy Commissioner James went on to say: “I must commend the Officers of the RVIPF for their diligence, professionalism and hard work in bringing this offender to justice – this was a complex, long-term, matter requiring robust detective work and a strong desire to bring an end to these crimes”.

The RVIPF have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming in this matter, as enquiries continue.

They ask any person with any information regarding these matters to contact Road Town Police Station on the non-emergency “311” number, the Crime Investigation Unit on 494-3822, or the independent and completely anonymous CRIMESTOPPERS tips line on 800 8477. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.