Police intensify search for prison escapees, boost patrols
Police have intensified the search for two escapees from His Majesty’s Prison, as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger assured residents that the force is using strengthened tactics to locate and detain the men.
Giving his first public message, Ullger said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is treating the manhunt as an urgent priority. “At this time, the force is also doing everything we can do to search for, locate and apprehend the two escapees from His Majesty’s Prison,” he stated. “This remains an urgent priority for us and we are adopting new measures and strengthened tactics to ensure they are returned to where they belong,” he added.
The escape of inmates Jose Almestica and John Burgos from the Balsam Ghut facility has already led to intensified operations and tighter security checks at ports of entry and other strategic locations. Police have also been examining CCTV and other footage as part of a territory-wide effort to track the fugitives.
Ullger said officers and staff are working extensively with digital evidence in their investigations. “Every investigation now carries a digital footprint, our officers and staff are working tirelessly seizing and retrieving electronic devices, analysing CCTV, body-worn footage and much more, to ensure that justice is served and that offenders are held to account,” he explained.
He urged residents to support the ongoing efforts by sending any useful information directly to the intelligence unit. “I encourage the public to continue supporting us and to provide any vital information that may assist our intelligence unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers at 800-8477 or 284-800-8477 from overseas. Anything you share will be treated with the utmost confidence,” he stated.
The police chief said visible patrols have also been stepped up following the recent armed robbery at Tortola Pier Park. He added that public safety remains the greatest concern as officers continue to respond to major incidents across the territory.
“We have increased patrols at the Pier Park and throughout the wider Road Town District to help reassure the public’s concerns and provide a visible security presence,” he said.
Ullger praised officers for their work during what he described as a demanding and complex time in policing. He said he has already seen their commitment since arriving in the territory. “In the short time I’ve been here, I have already witnessed the dedication, commitment, and courage displayed by our officers and staff,” he noted.
He closed by pledging continued transparency and community partnership. “Today, I want to assure the community that I, together with the command team, will do everything we can to deliver a service that is professional, transparent, and worthy of your trust,” he stated.
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Them long gone
how much yall wan bet that there are females’ in the bvi right now aware of the escapee prisoners and communicates with them? do you really think criminals who was lock up for so long ain went looking from some wife?? how much you wan bet the criminals been talking to women via phone while in prison…. come one we all know prisoners got phones in prison if them could get weed them own clothes etc ofc they got phonesss. anyhow bet the woman them was talking with while them was in jail knows them out and still talking to them and not reporting anything to the police………………..
we will be our own destruction by the criminal loving women and young girls of this country and by the men who are born from these women or the men and young boys who are influenced and want to fit in with the “culture” crime,fast money, weed, sex, drugs, rum, gangs, violence, guns, etc etc etc
Heard they were both homosexual!
It takes one to know the other mind your business
Haha. In that case that would mean you too then. Welcome. Ha ha.police Need to check the boys like One Eyed Rooster not the ladies. Boy loving criminals want to be caught.
Sure, they will wait until you start your intensified searches…
try to get the fiunger print from the shop and match with criminal record peolpe and also find out in the national security finger print system and find out just work on the smart
3 murderers
4 gun toting robbers
Profile: Young Black males with birthrights of the CARICOM island Black Nations displaying their gratitude to these colonies BVI for extended hospitality and genorosity.
On the loose just so
Say it LOUD , Totola people and their enablers the cursed garrot abusers are simply practicing their self hatred and self destruction.
Some dutty foot hoodrat hiding them
Y’all ever realised the Syrians store hardly ever got robbed and in Andrew case them mentioned them is who supplying the gunzzz smh
Only one or two time I see them ever got touch up and it was from locals other than that hardly anyone troubles them.
Can touch up the supplier cuz you going need more on the future
Chk wa going with UK Islam taking over
Stop taygating people on the basis of nationality
This is how more diasters and social ill will climb and erode the little integrity left
Deh might be rock
Yo the guys had already leave the island from the same night what search you guys intensifying!! You guys done fail so trying make it look good