Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 06, 2016 (RSCNPF): A number of burglaries and larcenies over the past weeks is of concern for investigators within the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
According to Superintendent Diana Mills, of the Crime Directorate, "there is an increase in the number of burglaries and larcenies being reported to us." Superintendent Mills added, "and these are crimes of opportunity, meaning the perpetrator sees an open window, door or valuables left in the open and takes the opportunity to remove them. Take away the opportunity and the chances of you becoming the victim is reduced."
Superintendent Mills encourages the public to use a few simple physical security procedures to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. She said, "before leaving your home, ensure that all windows and doors are locked. Ensure that your property is secured. Put away valuables. Computers and cell phones have been the items taken in many of the cases reported, ensure they are not close enough to windows where they can be fished out. Avoid leaving cash at home while you're out," said Mills. She also encouraged, "when at home, ensure that your doors are locked, preventing a burglar from just walking in. Before retiring for the evening, walk your home, touch and verify that every door and window is locked. Leaving an outside light on can also serve as a deterrent."
"Some burglars will try one door or window, if it's locked they may try another, but if the second is locked as well, chances are they will leave. Make your property a difficult one to break into," said the Superintendent. She added, "some burglars will effect a breaking no matter what security measures are in place, others will choose the easy target."
The use of tracking systems is strongly encouraged by Superintendent Mills. She said, "should you become the unfortunate victim of a burglary or larceny, the chances of your stolen items being recovered can be increased by marking your valuables and the recording of serial numbers or with the use of current off the shelf and off the net tracking systems." She added, "several are available on the internet ready for download, and can serve as both a deterrent and a tool to ensure the return of items in the event of a burglary or larceny", and urged citizens to employ their use.
To underscore the use of marking and tracking systems, Superintendent Mills shared, that recently, victims of a burglary retrieved three flat screen televisions, an I-phone and a play station as a result of utilization of a tracking program.
"A collective security effort can make a difference," Mills added, and encouraged the establishment of a neighbourhood watch. "Community vigilance can make a difference, in keeping our communities safe," expressed Superintendent Mills. She also encourages residents to report any suspicious activity they may see in their communities by calling any Police Station or Crime Stoppers, the anonymous hotline at 1-800-8477(TIPS).
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