BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE home of the Federation’s Attorney-General, the Hon. Vincent Byron Jr., is one of two that were burglarised during a spate of robberies over the weekend in St. Kitts and Nevis.
A report reaching SKNVibes, which was confirmed by police, stated that a burglar had entered the AG’s Greenlands home early yesterday morning (May 15) and stole a number of items.
According to a police communiqué, investigations revealed that a female handbag and other items were taken from the home.
This media house learned that the AG’s wife was asleep but was awakened by the sound of her bedroom door being opened and saw the burglar. She made an alarm and he ran, but not before making off with her handbag and a number of personal items.
Hours before that burglary, another one had occurred in New Pond Site.
According to reports, at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, while a female occupant of the home was in the kitchen, she heard a noise and on investigating found a man, armed with a hammer, in the corridor.
The burglar reportedly demanded money from her and fled the scene. He however made good his escape with her handbag that was said to contain some $500 and other personal items.
There were also reports of two armed robberies; one on St. Kitts and the other on Nevis.
According to a police report, the owner of a business in the New Road area was robbed of an undisclosed sum of money and other items.
This robbery took place at about 9:50 p.m. on Saturday by two armed, masked men. However, it was reported that, like the burglary victims, the business owner had suffered no physical injury.
Meanwhile, on sister isle Nevis, a male resident of Bath Village had reported to the Charlestown Police Station that he was robbed on Friday by three masked men, one of whom was allegedly toting a firearm.
SKNVibes learned that the man was at a bar in Bath Village when the men approached and robbed him of some EC$8,000.
However, it is likely that they may soon be apprehended as one of them was reportedly recognised and is said to be the brother of a popular resident of Bath Village.
Investigations into these incidents are ongoing.
Commenting on the burglaries, Deputy Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy is advising citizens and residents to ensure that their residences are properly secured both day and night, whether they are at home or not.
He further advised that the general public should install surveillance and or alarm systems in an effort to safeguard their businesses and homes, respectively, from criminals, noting that the government is granting duty free concessions in the purchase of those security systems.
“No criminal has the right to enter anyone’s business premises or home. Since members of the public are aware of what these criminals’ intensions are, they should make that an extra effort in securing their businesses and homes,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
When asked if he does not believe that the purchasing of security systems would create a strain on the ordinary residents’ pockets, Brandy responded in the negative.
“The level of things with which ordinary residents can secure their homes is less than what some of them normally spend imbibing and partying on weekends,” he retorted.
DCP Brandy stated that the police could not be everywhere before crimes are committed and that the Police Force alone could not combat crime. He therefore insinuated that it is incumbent upon members of the public to not only assist the police in their fight against crime and making the Federation a safer place to live and to host visitors, but to also put measures in place for the protection of their properties.
