BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has acknowledged a recent spike in robberies across the Federation, but stressed that the overall crime figure—particularly year-over-year robberies and larcenies—are trending downwards.
Since May, several supermarkets, many operated by members of the Chinese community, have been targeted. On May 28, the All in One Chinese Supermarket in Dieppe Bay was robbed, followed by the Panda Chinese Supermarket on June 4 in Upper Market Street. On July 20, the Hong Yun Supermarket on Bay Road in Newtown was hit, before being targeted again on August 31. Another business in Central Cayon was robbed on August 11, and the Saddlers Mini Supermarket was struck on September 1.
These incidents are not confined to one community but have occurred across different areas of the Federation.
In a statement to SKNVibes News, police force said: " The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s (RSCNPF) statistics show that, while there has been a short-term increase in robberies over the past few weeks, the overall number of robberies recorded so far this year remains lower than the same period last year."
According to the RSCNPF, robberies have dropped by 21 percent compared to last year, despite the recent cluster. The Force emphasized it is “rigorously investigating these incidents to bring those responsible to justice and to deter further occurrences.”
Police continue to urge business owners—particularly those in the Chinese community—to implement security measures. Deputy Commissioner of Police Cromwell Henry recently noted to WINN FM that several of the establishments targeted had not followed recommended protocols.
"...the Chinese supermarkets that fully adopted the recommendations have remained incident-free. However, those establishments that continue to suffer repeated robberies have not yet implemented the advised security measures,” he told WINN FM.
Beyond robberies, the Force reported that larceny cases have also fallen. In 2024, there were 42 reports of larceny during the same period, compared to just 29 this year.
Larceny, defined as the stealing of property, covers a wide range of crimes including theft, embezzlement, and credit or debit card fraud. Police explained that these also extend to "offences such as fraudulent conversion, obtaining credit by fraud, and similar financial crimes, all of which are being actively monitored and investigated through our specialist units. The RSCNPF has also been actively raising public awareness about online scams to decrease these incidents and protect the citizenry,”
The RSCNPF has been raising awareness about online scams—one of the leading forms of larceny in the Federation. A 2023 report by the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN) highlighted that such scams remain a major concern. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 1,300 larceny cases were reported, with 2022 alone recording 525.
Police say efforts have been intensified in recent months to crack down on cyber-related crimes, while strengthening community patrols and partnerships.
"We continue to maintain a high level of vigilance as we work proactively to preserve the Federation’s peace and safety,” the police force added.
Authorities also reminded residents to take precautions to safeguard their homes, businesses, and personal property.
