After reporting an uptick in thefts of generators and other tools in recent weeks, police have arrested and charged at least four people in relation to burglaries and thefts around Tortola, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton said last Thursday. 

Among those arrested were Thurman Smith, 43, of Old Plantation, and Eric Casey, 30, of Scatliffe Alley, who were charged with the burglary and theft of two generators, one Stihl blower, two vacuums and a power washer, all of which were recovered, Ms. Drayton stated. Additionally, KeAndre Williams, 18, of Paraquita Bay, was charged with burgling a business in Paraquita Bay and Bamboushay Lounge in Road Town, while Marvin Gumbs, 44, of no fixed place of abode, was charged with entering a private home in Lower Estate and later assaulting a man in a parking lot, according to Ms. Drayton. 

Mr. Gumbs was placed on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison for his later appearance before Magistrates’ Court, Ms. Drayton stated. 

Criminal Investigations Department Chief Inspector Paul Alleyne noted the important role that security cameras played in identifying perpetrators, and she encouraged business owners to ensure these devices are in place and functional. 

“Our detectives have greater success at identifying the individuals responsible if cameras capture activity in and around premises, particularly at night,” Ms. Alleyne said. 

“It can be an invaluable tool in our fight to keep crime at a minimum.”