Gas siphoning, looting continue

There is expectation that with the heavy millitary presence now on the ground in the territory combined with a curfew order imposed yesterday, the rampant looting of business establishments will come to a halt.

Following the passage of Hurricane Irma which damaged several business establishments in Road Town and other parts of the territory, several persons have had their businesses broken into.

One source disclosed that the RiteWay stores on Tortola, iSmart in Road Town, OneMart Supermarket, Big Ben’s in West End and stores at the Tortola Pier Park,  have all fallen victim to looters.

“We have challenges with security particularly as it relates to looting. I’m appealing to the good and decency of residents in the BVI to respect the rule of law and persons property,” the Department of Disaster urged in a release last evening.

One woman who operates a shop at the Craft Alive Village in Road Town was caught on a Facebook live video almost in tears after looters broke into her store.

“They took all my things that I buy in Jamaica,” she lamented.

Reports have also emerged that persons have started siphoning gas from vehicles damaged in the hurricane.

“The looting is very, very bad,” one person said.

The curfew which is now in effect, runs from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily. All persons are being advised to stay indoors during the hours of the curfew.