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Business & residential burglaries down by 71%- RVIPF

- advises public to mark tools, electronic items
The surge in burglaries last year was largely of unfinished homes and sheds where tools were stored. This resulted in significant losses to owners. Photo: Internet Source
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting that both residential and business burglaries are now down by 71% compared to 2021. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting that both residential and business burglaries are now down by 71% compared to 2021. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting that both residential and business burglaries are now down by 71% compared to 2021.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Acting Chief Inspector Gilbert Charles said residential and business burglaries have decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to the arrests of suspected perpetrators and the community's effort to mark and secure these items.

The surge in burglaries last year was largely of unfinished homes and sheds where tools were stored. This resulted in significant losses to owners. 

"These tools range in price between $500 to $1,000. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ensure that the items are marked and recognizable when seen. Once identified, not only is the tool returned to its rightful owner, but the thief who claims ownership can be arrested and charged. This simple precaution substantially reduces the incentive to steal," Acting Chief Inspector Charles noted in a press release on July 19, 2022.

Mark tools- RVIPF

The RVIPF has again reminded the public to take the time and mark their tools and electronic items to deter would-be thieves.

Inspector Charles noted that officers confiscated many tools and other items with no identifiable marks. This he said makes it difficult to prosecute offenders and ultimately return stolen items.

“The combined efforts of the Police and community resulted in a reduction in burglaries. Both residential and business burglaries are now down by 71% compared to 2021.

“The RVIPF would like the trend to continue by individuals taking the necessary steps,” the RVIPF stated.

10 Responses to “Business & residential burglaries down by 71%- RVIPF”

  • hmmm (19/07/2022, 11:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's do this by island as well so we get a better idea as to how each island fits into the puzzle
    • Arrion (25/07/2022, 05:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They are still stealing, it's just that people are not reporting it because it will get them nowhere, only a police report. SMDH
  • Stiff sarcasm (19/07/2022, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    All thanks to the beefy patrols by the beat cops who can seen night and day doing foot and vehicle patrols throughout out the islands
  • Pull up (19/07/2022, 12:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    petty crime is down(yes)however gun crime has risen in the land along with murders: killings and gun violence up so dont fall for the jive…..
  • Sdgdg (19/07/2022, 14:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't understand the picture with the power tool
  • jail bird (19/07/2022, 17:58) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    They all lock up!
  • musa (20/07/2022, 05:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The get this wrong
  • Really? (20/07/2022, 09:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    Why is this an article? Sooo after spending time in the media for that horrible video the police attempts to get back in our good graces with this sh**! Listen pull some of the cold cases, solve them, and then come check us.

  • Yo (20/07/2022, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No thanks to the POLICE aka clean up crew. These guys would rather be in plain clothes undercover doing nothing while feeling BIG & BAD than prefer to walk the street in their uniform like a fudging public servant, which they are! Stop racially profiling people and do your job by respecting ALL the people in the communities. This aint America go there if you want prey on the public.


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