On Monday through Wednesday of last week, police received reports of 11 burglaries and attempted burglaries, officials said last Thursday at a press conference called by members of the National Security Council.
Crandall’s Pastry Plus on the edge of Road Town was burgled on Oct. 9, and three other businesses were hit two days later: the Mangrove Bakery in Long Swamp; The Lubricant Store in Fat Hogs Bay; and Isabel’s Place in Sea Cows Bay, Police Information Officer Akia Thomas told the Beacon on Tuesday.
In some cases, cash and other valuable items were stolen, police said in a press release issued last Thursday.
Multiple attempted burglaries were also reported at residences across the territory during those three days, police said.
“While the residential burglaries have predominantly been attempted intrusions rather than successful breaches, the volume of reports remains a cause for concern,” acting Detective Chief Inspector Vernon Larocque, head of the Criminal Investigations Department, said in the press release.
Vigilance
Police also urged residents to be vigilant. To that end, they made various recommendations:
• installing CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and adequate outside lighting;
• locking doors and windows when away from home;
• safeguarding valuables by photographing them and creating a detailed inventory list that includes any serial numbers or identifying marks; and
• establishing neighbourhood watch groups through WhatsApp.
Asking for help
Police Commissioner Mark Collins called for the public to assist in fighting such crimes.
“Our officers are committed to investigating and prosecuting the offenders of these crimes,” he said in the press release. “We need the public’s help in identifying and apprehending these criminals, so if you see something, say something.”
Information can be reported anonymously to the Crime Stoppers hotline by calling 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or 1-284-800-8477 from overseas.
The police Intelligence Unit can also be contacted directly at 368-9339.