Two arrested for burglary amid increased police crackdown

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed the arrest and charging of two men for burglary-related offences as part of an ongoing effort to address a surge in criminal activity.

In a press release issued today, the RVIPF reported that 39-year-old Kurt Rasbatt of Old Plantation was charged with burglary following investigations into a series of robberies in the East End area.

Rasbatt was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 by the Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 21, with curfew conditions requiring him to remain at home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

“Should he be seen in public during curfew hours, members of the public are asked to contact the police immediately at 311,” the RVIPF stated. The police also emphasized that Rasbatt’s arrest is part of a targeted effort by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to combat the recent increase in burglary-related offences in the district.

Separate arrest linked to circulating video

In a separate statement, the police confirmed that they are actively investigating a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the areas of Diamond Estate, Spooners Estate, and Anderson Estate.

As a result of these investigations, Akim Stevens was arrested and charged with burglary and attempted burglary after video footage, shared by homeowners in the affected areas, helped identify him as a suspect.

Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool acknowledged the public’s concerns over the widely circulated footage and assured residents that authorities are taking the incidents seriously.

“We are aware of the videos showing individuals attempting to enter homes, and we understand the real fear and anxiety this has caused for residents in the affected communities,” Vanterpool said. “Let me assure the public that we are taking these incidents seriously, and this arrest is a direct result of swift police action and community cooperation.”

Addressing false escape claims

The RVIPF also refuted claims circulating on social media that Stevens had escaped police custody while receiving medical treatment.

“The RVIPF wishes to address false claims in a separate video alleging that Stevens had escaped police custody and was later recaptured. This claim is untrue. As a person of interest, Stevens was observed by officers, pursued, and arrested without incident,” the statement clarified.

A video circulating online showed plainclothes officers pursuing and detaining a male individual near the B&F Medical Complex before placing him in a police vehicle. The RVIPF reiterated that Stevens was never an escaped convict but was being actively monitored by law enforcement before his arrest.

Stevens remains in police custody pending his court appearance.

The RVIPF is urging residents to continue exercising caution and report any suspicious activity.

“We continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by contacting the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477,” the statement read.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to addressing crime in the territory and thanked the community for its cooperation in ongoing investigations.