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RVIPF reports stabilised crime rate amid challenges

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Kenrick Davis.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported that crime levels stabilised in 2025, despite ongoing challenges, including a rise in domestic violence and the widespread use of illegal firearms.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kenrick Davis said the year began with “a concerning upward trajectory in criminal activities”, but said officers managed to curb further escalation through sustained operations.

“We were able to stabilise the numbers and ended the year on a largely positive note,” Davis stated.

According to the RVIPF’s 2025 Year in Review, overall crime increased by just one percent compared to 2024. However, Davis warned that the force cannot be complacent. “This stabilisation occurred at a level that is still 24 percent higher when compared with the five-year average,” he explained.

The data showed significant reductions in several major categories. Sexual offences fell by 40 percent, which Davis attributed to “stronger awareness and public education initiatives by the RVIPF and other partners”. Commercial burglaries dropped by 53 percent and residential burglaries declined by 30 percent.

Police also reported major drug seizures. Intelligence-led operations resulted in the interception of more than 2,600 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $260 million. Officers removed 24 firearms and 1,282 rounds of ammunition from circulation.

Despite these gains, Davis pointed to troubling trends. Robberies increased by 39 percent, alongside a double-digit rise in property damage and minor offences. Domestic violence remained a serious concern, with nearly half of all assaults in 2025 linked to such incidents.

“Nearly half — 49 per cent of all the assaults we investigated in 2025 emanated from domestic violence incidents,” Davis said.

He also highlighted the growing role of firearms in violent crime. “In 2025, every single murder and every single attempted murder involved the use of firearms,” Davis stated. Firearms were used in 89 percent of robberies, signalling what he described as a “fundamental change in the nature of these crimes”.

Looking ahead, Davis said the RVIPF aims to shift from stabilisation to sustained reductions in all categories of crime.

He urged collective responsibility in tackling crime, adding that “we must not only hold the line, we must actively reclaim the safety and peace of these beautiful Virgin Islands”.

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8 Comments

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  1. Hmm says:

    Look at who is leading the force. They are really setting us up for failure because if they could have confidence in the DPP and looking at the forces management, really, what’s going on here.

    Even those Governors and commissioners of the past who promoted these people, what were they thinking?

    Like 2
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  2. Really? says:

    The properganda and spin is alive and well.

    Since the appointment of the “white” COP from UK, all of a sudden he has waved his magic wand and has curtailed crime, with some challenges of course.

    Those people, their lies and properganda to make themselves look good remain astonishing yet, in reality, people know the truths.

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  3. Who was in charge? says:

    Ya .. That woman. Just saying.

  4. hm says:

    The situation us vs them is what has crime rising over decades community connection is important. Whether its a seatbelt issue everyone is avoiding cops.

  5. Go Kenrick Go says:

    Hopefully we are looking at the next Commissioner of the RVIPF.
    Kenrick Davis ie educated, knowledgeable and ready for office.

    Like 7
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  6. Ok says:

    The police need to get * up

  7. Eagle says:

    How many unsolved crimes are there in the BVI?

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