It is with a deep sense of concern and horror that the editorial column of this newspaper views not just the continued robberies in Anguilla by armed and masked bandits, but the new sophistication, aggravation and ruthlessness, with which they are being carried out.

The chilling robbery in Sandy Ground several nights ago is a case in point. It is a gruesome story in which a business woman was wounded, bound, kidnapped and bundled in the trunk of the vehicle the robbers were driving and which they had left her, locked in the trunk, at a certain location for about two hours. All that traumatic time, she knew nothing about her eventual fate. The robbers had gotten into her car and using the keys they took from her, opened and robbed the business place. It is just unbelievable, grossly detestable and simply inhumane.

This type and sophistication of criminal behaviour in Anguilla has all the hallmarks of dangerously dishonest persons who will stop at nothing, including inflicting bodily harm and other harsh treatment on their victims, to get the money they want.
The incident is a big source of worry on the island, adding to the already much concern among the populace about the growing number of armed and unsolved robberies. Something is wrong in a small island where information on crime from persons who might know the source, is scarce to come by, and where, up to now, because of lack of leads, the sophistication of the criminals and other factors, the police are unable to catch them.

This unfortunate and frightening situation cannot be allowed to continue. There is certainly a need for the business community and persons in general in Anguilla to take whatever security steps or precautionary measures are necessary to safeguard themselves and their properties.

Every effort must be made to unmask the armed and masked robbers by identifying them and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is an all-important way of preserving Anguilla’s good name and the security of life and property from marauding rascals whether from outside or within our fair land.

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