ATM robberies raise concern
The following is a media release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is alerting the public following a second armed robbery targeting individuals withdrawing cash from the Banco Popular ATM in recent weeks. The latest incident occurred in the early hours of February 28, around 2:00 AM, bearing striking similarities to a previous robbery at the same location on January 11.
In both cases, victims withdrew cash from the ATM and were soon after accosted by armed men, who forcibly took their money before fleeing the scene. These incidents highlight the risks of late-night ATM transactions and reinforce the need for increased situational awareness.
Heightened Security Measures Implemented
The RVIPF has responded by increasing patrol presence in the area and improving CCTV coverage to enhance security and deter criminal activity. Additionally, the public is urged to take extra precautions when making cash withdrawals, especially during late night hours.
Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis emphasized the importance of proactive crime prevention in which both the police and the community play important roles. “Many street crimes occur when three variables meet: a motivated offender, a vulnerable victim, and the lack of capable guardianship. If citizens and police work together to disrupt any of these variables, crimes are unlikely to occur. Varying routines, like withdrawal times and locations, make it more difficult for persons to be targeted. Similarly, increasing capable guardianship through strengthening security with CCTV, lighting, police patrols, and neighbourhood watch initiatives further deters criminal activity, as they are less likely to act when the risk of detection is high.” He stated. DCI Davis added that as it relates to how
to make individuals less inclined to commit crimes is a more complex matter because personal and socio-economic factors are at play.
Public Safety Recommendations
To minimise risk, the RVIPF advises the public to:
- Avoid late-night withdrawals whenever possible.
- Vary transaction times and locations to prevent becoming a predictable target. • Be aware of surroundings and look for any suspicious activity before using an ATM.
- Use well-lit ATMs in populated areas.
- Consider digital transactions as an alternative to cash withdrawals. The RVIPF is actively investigating these incidents and urges anyone with information to come forward. Persons with knowledge of the perpetrators or any suspicious activity in the area are encouraged to confidentially contact the police at our non-emergency access number 311, the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477 (TIPS), The RVIPF remains committed to ensuring public safety and appreciates the community’s cooperation in preventing crime.
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Walk armed, pull it out if need be and squeeze until the threat is no more.
There will be no more such incidences.
People must begin to stand their ground and defend themseves from hoodlums, and law enforcement must stand with them.
ATM robberies raise concerns. Use your damn COMMON SENSE and be aware of your surroundings when utilizing any ATM I went to an ATM the other night around 8:45 pm and we saw two young men sitting in a car, my instinct kicked in and told me something was not right. My sister and I got back in the car and got the hell up out of there. When your instant is telling you something, I see it as warning sign. Always listen to your instant.
Why in the world would you leave your warm bed 2 AM in the night to go to the ATM to withdraw funds, the security guards that transport funds would be scared themselves to carry money there that time of the night though they have guns, i dare to say the police themselves would be frightened and tense doing that in the dead of night, am I a superman or just moomooish?
I can have a guess: they needed cash for more powder. They ought to ask their man how come people knew about their ATM needs…
Dont victim blame. Every one should be able to withdraw at all hours. It always been that way here. Step your security game up RVIPF. No crime should occur in town certainly not after the murders in town. None should escape on our road system unless they hop in a chopper and fly away.
RVIPF REALLY? Avoid this consider that. When it happens in the day will you tell us to stay home?
Real how about you consider a loitering cruiser or legalizing self defense for the people to put a end to this. Hurt a robber at the ATM its on camera. Self defense should get off Scott free. When someone displays a weapon in a threatening manner to rob or kill they have put their life on the line to get killed as a robber or assassin.
When I pull up at night to the ATM at night my hand is always on my blick. Anyone try to rob me my blick is going to start letting loose. Anyone should and can go to a ATM anytime they choose to be it 2 am or 5am.
Tortola is the only place where late at night in town you will never see any cops driving around checking out the place, go to another country and walk around late at night, get those cops something to do