String of F’sted & C’sted Robberies Bring Calls for 24/7 Foot Patrols

  String of F’sted & C’sted   

 Robberies Bring Calls for   

       24/7 Foot Patrols

A.J. Pike

     St. Croix - Fifteen robberies of commercial businesses in Christiansted and Frederiksted in less than two months have brought requests of the VIPD to provide 24/7 foot patrols in both towns. 

     According to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), nine businesses were burgled in and around Frederiksted in a 24-hour burglary spree at the end of March, along with six break-ins in downtown Christiansted over the past couple of weeks. The crime spree has left shop owners rattled with fears for their safety and the safety of their employees.

     Although Police continue to investigate the seemingly coordinated break-ins, so far the VIPD has not been able to identify any of the criminals involved in the robberies.    

     The ongoing investigation is being coordinated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, and authorities have stated they have increased patrols in the affected areas. 

     In a community meeting attended by St. Croix Chief of Police Uston A. Cornelius, Christiansted merchants gathered in force, for a second time, at an emergency community safety meeting at Crucian Cafe (next to Crucian Gold) to address their concerns and press local officials for increased police presence and added security measures to protect their businesses and their employees.    

     Two women were recently brazenly threatened and carjacked shortly after midnight in the V.I. Government-owned  parking lot on Strand Street in Christiansted. Six burglaries followed in the early weeks of May along the C’sted Boardwalk.

     Police Chief Cornelius outlined plans to expand the surveillance camera network across the island and to deploy drones near police facilities to monitor activity on behalf of the VIPD. Members of the audience wondered what happened to the bike patrols that were a welcomed staple in downtown Christiansted in years past. Others wanted to know why there couldn’t be more boots on the ground police presence on a 24/7 basis. 

     Police Chief Cornelius held a brief press conference after the community meeting to address the robberies and the shop owners concerns.

     “The Virgin Islands Police Department continues to work on a resolution to these burglaries,” Chief Cornelius said. “Recently we have not had any leads pertaining to these cases…We need your help in identifying these individuals. They must and have to be stopped! Any information would be appreciated. Help us to help you!” 

He urged the public to call 1-800-222-8477. 

     Business owners and residents are urged to remain vigilant, keep their premises well-lit and avoid leaving money in unattended establishments after hours.