Police lay charges after recent burglaries

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced that charges have been laid against two men following a series of burglaries plaguing residential dwellings and businesses in Road Town over the past two weeks.

Officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) conducted thorough investigations that led to notable breakthroughs and resulted in the arrest of persons alleged to be involved in the burglaries.

Kempes Nicholls, 32, of Wickham’s Cay I, was charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of handling stolen goods and is currently in custody awaiting his appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

The RVIPF also shared that David Baronville, 45, of Long Bush and Mikhail Howe, 33, of Lower Estate have been charged with burglary and have been granted bail for their scheduled court appearance in January.

Concerns have been raised by several elected officials over the issue of crime in the territory in recent months, with Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn declaring that he feels unsafe in the community.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously expressed a strong commitment to addressing the issue of escalating crime that has been affecting the territory in recent months.

Dr Wheatley said at the time that, although the Virgin Islands is one of the safest places in the world, people are rightly concerned when they see brazen acts of violence carried out within the community.

In the meantime, the RVIPF said it remains committed to maintaining the safety of the community and will continue its efforts to address and prevent criminal activities.

The RVIPF added that it appreciated the support and cooperation of the public in providing information that aids in these investigations.