VIPD Provides Details on Burglaries, Home Invasions

A.J. Pike

St. Croix - Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Deputy Chief of Police, St. Croix District, Naomi Joseph provided important details about the rash of robberies, burglaries and home invasions that have recently rocked the St. Croix community. 

“We are having a rash of robberies and burglaries on St. Croix. And the burglaries range from you not locking your doors at home and coming back to find your house ransacked, to being in your home - all hours of the day and night - and criminals are breaking in and tying up the homeowners or whoever is in the house, taking what valuables they can and then leaving, They even leave with your vehicle if that is available for them to go with,” Deputy Chief Joseph stated. 

“I want you to know this is going on. It makes no sense for us to have this information and we don’t share it with you. And then you are not able to be vigilant and mindful that you are not safe in your home as you should be,” she cautioned.

In the past weeks there have been multiple robberies of stores in the Christiansted,  Frederiksted and Princess areas along with reports of burglaries and home invasions in various communities on St. Croix. 

“It seems like there are multiple groups doing these crimes, because we have a group that is burglarizing businesses at night between 2am to 5am. We also have another group that is targeting areas where they think more wealthy people live, and that is where they are doing home invasions. Along with this, there is a group that is breaking into your home when you are at work,”  Ms. Joseph went on. “We also have a group that is robbing drug dealers on the street. They don’t report it for obvious reasons, but we know it is happening.” 

There have been chat room reports of victims being robbed point blank on the street, whether this has involved innocent pedestrians or drug dealers is not known.  

“So, what you can do to protect yourself is keep your phone next to you at all times. If you hear any suspicious sounds around your house, dial 911. If you do hear a sound outside in your yard, please do not open your door to go and investigate. Watch, observe, if you see a license plate or see anything unusual, call 911,” Ms. Joseph cautioned. “When you are leaving your home make sure you lock up everything, make sure there are no gaps that they can get in through. And make sure you secure your valuables in a secret place…

“If you have animals, be aware of their different sounds. You can tell the difference between your dog barking at somebody they know and a stranger who is around your place. Remember, don’t hesitate, call 911…

“We are coming to help you in the best possible way we know how,” she reminded everyone. “I am arming you with this information so you can protect your property and your life. You can replace property. You cannot replace your life. If push comes to shove, you protect your life!” 

Although there is still little known about the criminals, Deputy Chief Joseph reminded residents that if they do encounter them to try and document everything about them, even what type of accent they have when they speak.

“At this point, they appear to be very young males. They are covering themselves with long sleeves, dark clothing, dark glasses and hoodies,” Ms. Joseph concluded by reminding residents to remain vigil and report any suspicious activity.