BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FOLLOWING the perpetration of four armed robberies, including three business establishments, within 24 hours, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has urged businesses owners to be more proactive.
The Force has recommended the implementation of CCTV Cameras and burglar alarm systems, among other measures, to protect employees and assets, as the spate of crime and violence within the Federation have seen an uptick in recent times.
On Friday (Aug. 11), two armed bandits had robbed and assaulted the owner of the Good Life Supermarket in Saddlers. On the following day, at approximately 6:30 p.m., four masked, armed assailants wearing hoodies had rushed into the Camps Branch of RAM’s Supermarket and robbed four of the cashier stations and a vault of a large sum of cash before fleeing the scene in a waiting car.
Approximately 85 minutes after, a similar strategy was employed in the robbery at the Bird Rock Branch, where four armed, masked assailants dressed in black clothing had entered the business establishment and stole a large sum of cash from the cashiers and a vault. They, too, made their getaway in a waiting car.
And on that same day, a male was assaulted, robbed of his vehicle and had his valuables stolen at Douglas EState in St. Peter’s.
Those robberies, along with the number of homicides and other gun-related violence RSCNPF are seeking to address.
“In alignment with our ‘zero tolerance’ approach to crime and violence, the Force has increased its investigative capacity through the deployment of additional manpower and resources to address the spate of robberies. We continue to implore citizens and businesses to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their well-being and assets.
“Specifically, we direct our advice towards business proprietors, encouraging them to assess and bolster their existing security protocols, and where applicable, to implement cash-handling procedures that prioritize employee safety. For those lacking reliable security measures, we strongly recommend reconsideration as the protection of employees and assets is of paramount importance,” a statement from the Police Force read.
Despite repeated requests of the police from media practitioners for crime statistics for 2022 and this year thus far, they have been directed to write a letter to the Office of the Commissioner of Police.
However, it has been publicly disclosed that there has been an uptick in the number of crimes for the year; a matter that had attracted the attention of all stakeholders, which earlier this year prompted the Police Force to roll out a new plan to tackle the problem.
“Among the recommended security measures are the implementation of burglar alarm systems and closed circuit television (CCTV) set-ups. These offer a robust layer of security that applies equally to both commercial establishments and residential properties. Equally vital is the presence of ample and functional lighting both inside and around the premises. Such lighting not only enhances visibility, but also serves as an effective deterrent against criminal activities during working hours for businesses, and throughout the night for residences,” a statement on the spate of robberies said.
While seeking to reassure stakeholders of their security, the Force noted “it will continue to assist and collaborate with stakeholders to address security concerns where applicable”.
“We are committed not only to providing support in matters of security, but also to offering informed guidance to business owners, proprietors, and home-owners alike. We understand the impact these criminal acts can have on the victims, employees, and residents, and we are committed to taking swift and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice,” the statement added.
