Crooks target tools! Police report spike in theft of these items

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting a spike in the number of tool thefts in the British Virgin Islands.

Police say this marks the second consecutive week they’ve had to raise an alarm about such occurrences and are encouraging the public to “place added security around these items”.

The RVIPF further said thieves are known to target tools in unfinished homes, buildings under repair, storage units, and those in toolboxes in the back of trucks.

Crooks are making off with expensive electrical items such as jackhammers, drills, saws, and sanders, the police warned.

“Police are urging contractors, foremen and other residents to ensure that all tools are marked by an engraver or specialised security marker so if found, the items can be identified,” the RVIPF urged.

It added: “Owners of properties are also asked to ensure that these tools are stored in enclosed areas and locked, and there is enough lighting around containment units to discourage thieves from entering at nights. Security cameras can also be very useful in monitoring and recording activities while no one is on the premises.”

In the meantime, the RVIPF said they are following leads into these thefts but are asking anyone with information to come forward.