The Landing Beach Bar is one of nine Frederiksted-area businesses identified by police as being targeted in a 24-hour burglary spree on St Croix. Photo: VIC

VIPD said the suspects were armed Black males wearing black clothing who fled on foot during the crimes. The department did not provide further details on how much was taken or whether any arrests have been made.

The businesses identified by police as affected were Frontline in Calquhoun, The Landing Beach Bar in Cane Bay, JV Car Wash in Mr Pleasant, Blue Bambou in Plessen, Off the Wall in Cane Bay, Circle Bar in Cane Bay, Aquaholic Beach Bar in La Grange, Cravers Choice in Upper Love, and Milani Customs in Upper Love.

The department is advising business owners to take added precautions as the investigation continues. According to VIPD, establishments should be properly secured and should include increased lighting and cameras in the area.

‘If you know something, say something'- Police Chief

St Croix Police Chief Uston Cornelius also urged owners not to keep cash inside their businesses.

“Not to leave money in the business,” Cornelius said.

He also appealed directly to the community for help in solving the cases.

“We continue to engage our community and ask ‘if you know something, say something.’ There are Police Officers tasked with handling these cases and in most instances awaiting small bits of information to close these burglaries. The Police Department cannot do it alone and we continue to urge our community to be our eyes and ears.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).