Carjackings Target STX Women

A.J. Pike 

St. Croix - The Virgin Islands Police Department held a press briefing this week due to a rash of recent carjackings that have targeted women on St. Croix. The briefing was led by Naomi Joseph, Deputy Chief of Police STX District, Uston Cornelius, Chief of Police STX District, and Lt. Marisol Colon, Chief of Detectives STX District. 

“We’re here to talk about a rash of criminal activities in the St. Croix District,” said Ms. Joseph. “A rash of car thefts in which they are targeting females, and the females appear to be solo, by themselves, operating an SUV, and they are taking place in isolated areas away from the main populace. At that point, the victim is rushed up on by other individuals, and their vehicle is taken away,” she described the incidents. “We also know that these vehicles are being used in other crimes that we have had happen here in recent days. We also know that after the vehicles are used for these crimes, they are destroyed. So, we are asking females to please be aware of your surroundings at all times. That means be off the phone. Put your phone down and pay attention to what is going on around you.”

Deputy Chief Joseph went on to describe ways in which to avoid being a victim. “Park as close to your destination as possible. Stay in lit areas as close as possible to where other people are standing. That in itself might be a deterrent. And do not leave your car with the key inside and the door unlocked. Don’t make it easy for them,” she urged citizens, and went on about the level of criminal activity on the streets. “The situation out here is dangerous. And we know that it is targeted shootings. They are not randomly choosing to fire a shot at just anyone, they have targets in mind. However, if the target moves, they are following that target. If you are in the way, you just might be in danger. Remember, the bullet does not have an eye and it cannot distinguish if the right person is being hit.” 

Deputy Chief Joseph summed things up: “At the end of the day we should be able to go where we want, when we want, how we want. We should be able to live here and feel safe.”

Chief of Police Uston Cornelius had this to add: “Serious times call for serious measures. We are here for you, for our  community. But we are getting to the point where we can’t even go out and enjoy ourselves after a tiring week. How much longer are we going to allow this handful of individuals to continue their criminal ways? We cannot do it alone. It is time for us to do it together,” he emphasized. “Let’s do it!”

All of the Officers present urged the community to come forth and help out in identifying the criminals who are perpetrating the crimes. Call 911, or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) if you see or hear of any suspicious activity.