St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) is alerting the community to a recent increase in burglaries at businesses and residential home invasions on St. Croix and is urging the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
Recently, VIPD received reports of nine burglaries all in one day, where majority of the incidents occurred in the La Grande Princess area, and one in Frederiksted. In these recent incidents, suspects forced entry by breaking glass doors and windows at businesses.
Additionally, there have been residential burglaries and an increase in home invasion robberies.
The suspects responsible for these burglaries appear to be young individuals who conceal their identities by wearing dark clothing, hoodies, ski masks, face coverings, and other items that obscure their appearance.
The suspects demanded money and valuables before leaving with personal property.
While there have been no reported life-threatening injuries to victims during these incidents, offenders have reportedly restrained victims and stolen their phones and other electronic devices to delay calls for assistance.
The Virgin Islands Police Department has increased patrol units in affected communities and continues to actively investigate these incidents.
Businesses are urged to:
Install and maintain high-quality surveillance camera systems covering entrances, exits, cash registers, storage rooms, and other areas where valuables are kept.
Ensure alarm systems are operational.
Report suspicious persons or vehicles immediately.
Residents are encouraged to:
Remain alert and report suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately.
Keep doors and windows secured.
Avoid opening doors to unknown individuals, especially late at night or during the early morning hours.
If you hear someone attempting to enter your home, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Your safety should always be your first priority.
Anyone with information related to these crimes is urged to contact 911, the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-778-2211 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
VIPD thanks the community for its continued cooperation and encourages everyone to remain vigilant as officers work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
