The RAPF has issued a release on its website regarding the recent uptick in burglaries on Anguilla, especially car thefts. Although, it should also be noted that there is an increase in vehicle vandalism and home and business invasions, as well.
The release came after the issue was raised during the government’s press conference on Monday, April 4, where it received minimal attention, in essence, leaving responsibility for this alarming activity to the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF). Unfortunately, no one from the RAPF was present at the time to offer a comprehensive response to the issue.
“In terms of the robberies [and their] increased frequency, we certainly haven’t had a chance to discuss those with the Commissioner, but I will work on having him to grace us with his presence [at the press briefings] so that you can ask these and other questions pertinent to safety and police action,” Premier Dr Ellis Webster stated.
Over the past few weeks, The Anguillian newspaper made several unsuccessful attempts to reach senior personnel at the RAPF regarding this and other issues brought to its attention by the public. It was suggested at the press conference that contact should be made directly with the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the RAPF.
The Anguillian newspaper reached out to the PRO regarding the specific issue of increased car, home and business invasions and burglaries. An official response was promised, but has yet to reach The Anguillian office. However, a statement was posted on the RAPF’s Facebook Page speaking to the issue of recent car burglaries.
Understanding that not everyone may have easy or immediate access to Facebook, The Anguillian newspaper is making the information accessible to its readers, as the issue of burglary and invasion of personal property poses a risk to everyone’s safely and comfort.
The released statement reads in its entirety:
We have realised that in recent days, there has been an increase in the theft of motor vehicles in Anguilla. Owning a vehicle is a huge investment, therefore, it is of utmost importance that you make sure it is secured at all times.
Many people use their vehicles for several purposes which include travel to work, conducting business, school commute, and visiting friends and families.
Having your vehicle stolen can be a traumatic experience, and can turn out to be costly to you, not to mention the huge inconvenience you will have to face.
The following tips, if observed, can help reduce the opportunity to have your vehicle stolen:
If you park your car on your driveway, make sure the area is well lit. This also applies when you are parking your vehicle in a public place.
When leaving your vehicle, always make sure it is fully locked, before walking away, by actually checking the door handle.
Check to see how many ‘clicks’ on your key fob activate which security features on your vehicle – what was two clicks on an older car maybe something different on newer models. If you are unsure, consult the handbook or speak to the dealership where you bought it from.
Don’t keep the keys to your vehicle in an obvious place – don’t make it easy for a thief to see them or find them.
Tracking devices are also available and may suit more expensive or high-performance vehicles.
If you have gates on your property, ensure that they are closed/secure.
What is lacking in this release are measurable and mitigating steps the RAPF is taking, or intends to implement, in addressing this uptick in crime from a law enforcement context. What public message is being sent by the RAPF to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions – understanding that there are consequences? What message is coming from the RAPF to assure victims, and the public at large, that this matter is being taken seriously?
In reading the released statement, analysis could suggest that nothing is being done to address the problem from a law enforcement perspective, although property owners are being cautioned and advised to secure their vehicles as a means to address the growing problem.
Notably, some reactions to the RAPF released statement echo the sentiment of public opinion: “RAPF, you guys do this all the time; people break into our homes; it’s our fault; we should secure our homes even more than we already do. Now people are stealing vehicles – and not a word of caution or warning to the perpetrators.”
“Where is the vigilance? If a vehicle is stolen on Anguilla, how can it be driven on the roads here – for two or three days – and the police not know about it? Where can you drive on this little island and not be seen?”
The Anguillian would like to appeal to parents of vulnerable and impressionable youth and young adults – young men in particular – to know where your youngsters are when the sun goes down. Anguilla can’t afford to lose them to a growing life of crime. This needs to be arrested now, before it becomes engrained in our Anguillian society.
