BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SOME criminals in St. Kitts have taken their nefarious activities to a very serious and highly disturbing level that will not only cause homeowners to be deprived of their hard-earned cash and other personal belongings, but also to be concerned about the safety and violation of their womenfolk.
This comes in the wake of an incident that occurred yesterday morning (Dec. 3) in Walwyn Avenue, where three men had broken into a home, robbed the occupants and sexually assaulted a female.
According to a police communiqué, the incident is being investigated by members of the Criminal Investigations Department and the Special Victims Unit.
The communiqué states that at about 5:20 a.m. yesterday, two males and one female were awaken to the presence of the men in their Walwyn Street home.
The intruders took several items including one Samsung Note 2, a Samsung Note 3, one Laptop Charger, three watches, cellular phones, ATM cards, one Mac Book and cash in the amount of EC$500.
Seemingly not satisfied with the heist, the bandits turned their attention to the female resident whom they sexually assaulted. She reportedly received medical treatment and other forms of support.
The crime scene was processed by the Forensic Services Unit.
Information reaching this publication stated that the men were masked and carried firearms, and that the victims were African students.
Commenting on the incident Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime, Ian Queeley said: “This is troubling, this type of crime is of great concern. Our families must be able to go to bed at night knowing that they are safe in the comfort of their homes...safe from intruders. I also encourage our residents to ensure our homes are secured before we retire. Check and lock all windows and doors, ensure all locks are secured and replace those that don't work.”
Queeley called on the public to assist the police in bringing the unscrupulous perpetrators to justice.
“We ask the public that if you saw any suspicious persons in the areas of Walwyn Street and the surrounding areas around 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday morning to call the nearest police station or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) with any information you may have. We can only reduce crime with your support.”
With the Carnival and Christmas Season in the air, it is believed in some quarters that criminals would be on the rampage and they advised that citizens and residents must take all necessary precautions so as not to fall prey.
Just two weeks ago, a number of home invasions took place at the Half Moon Courtyard, where two masked men, dressed in black, wearing gloves and carrying guns had robbed residents in three different apartments of US$4,500 and EC$500.
The bandits made good their escape in one of the residents’ vehicle, which was recovered along the Factory Road in the Kittstodart area and returned to the owner.
