The police warned Friday about a “significant increase” in the number of non-residential burglaries on Tortola since the beginning of the year compared to the same period last year.
They did not provide statistics, but acting Chief Inspector Kendolph Bobb, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, said in a press release that the increase has been driven by incidents at businesses, storage facilities and construction sites, where valuable tools and machinery are often kept.
“In response to these concerning trends, residents are advised to mark their tools for easy identification,” police stated. “Individuals are also advised to record serial numbers [and] photograph and securely store items.”
Police also urged business and residential owners to secure their properties and install adequate lighting, alarms and CCTV cameras.
“The public’s cooperation is crucial in our fight to combat crime,” the release stated. “Let us work together for a safer community for all.”
Anyone with information on crimes in the territory can contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or 1-284-800-8477 from overseas. The Intelligence Unit can also be contacted directly at 368-9339.