Police say they caught burglar in the act

A burglar was arrested by the East End Police after he gained illegal access to a business establishment in the James Young area.

The burglar, who was identified as 44-year-old Germaine Wattley of a Chapel Hill residence, was charged with burglary and breach of curfew.

Police reports are that around 3:45 am, members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were conducting an early-morning patrol when they saw a male breaking into one of the storerooms at the establishment. He had a shopping bag in his hand. Once he was caught by the police, he allegedly admitted to entering the premises illegally.

The police noted that construction material and gear around homes and on roadways remain the main items that thieves target.

The RVIPF is warning business owners to improve security, especially at construction sites. The Force said contractors should provide necessary security with CCTV cameras and alarm systems.

It also noted owners should have identifiable markings on construction materials in case they are stolen and later recovered by the police.

This arrest comes after the police force announced four arrests in connection to break-ins around Tortola following a spike in burglaries in recent weeks.