Increased vehicle break-ins and farm thefts

The Royal Virgin Islands Force (RVIPF) has recorded an uptick in reports of significant sums of money being stolen from unsecured vehicles.

According to the police, thieves pounce upon these vehicles when purses and wallets are left on the seat.

“In two separate incidents, $700 was stolen from a wallet and $1,000 from a purse. Both the wallet and the purse were in the front passenger seat when the monies were stolen. One perpetrator has been identified so far,” the RVIPF said in a statement on Monday.

“Valuables such as handbags, laptops, cellular phones and jewellery left on top of seats or in the centre console of vehicles provide the incentive needed for thieves to enter and steal,” it added.

The police said they are discouraging persons from leaving valuables in their vehicles. However, if there is no alternative, persons should secure these items so they are not visible and lock vehicles every time, he stated.

Farm thefts

In the meantime, the RVIPF also reported an upsurge in theft of bananas and other produce from farms on the eastern end of Tortola.

“At least four farmers have reported their bananas and plantains stolen in the areas of Long Look, Greenland, Josiah Bay and Thomas Landing within the last two weeks. One farmer in Long Look reported that five hands of bananas were taken from his property in Long Look, while another farmer in East End discovered some 60 pounds of bananas missing,” the police stated.

It continued: “While Police are following a number of leads into these thefts, farmers are being asked to pass on any information to Police that can assist in identifying possible perpetrators.”

“The public is asked to be on the lookout for individuals loitering and acting suspiciously in or around farms and report such activities to the East End Police Station at 368-9704.”