There has been a spate of burglaries and thefts in various localities of Anguilla over the past week, November 14-21. The Police expressed much concern over these latest incidents, particularly the burglaries, as there was a lull in such serious offences in recent weeks.

L-R: Det. Insp. Allison Ruan, Dep. Comm. Richardson and Det. Insp. Sinclair

Reporting to the press on Wednesday were Deputy Police Commissioner, Illidge Richardson, Detective Inspector Allison Ruan and Detective Inspector Paul Sinclair.

There were four reports of burglary. Inspector Ruan said that the police had received a report that the alarm system at Scotia Bank was activated, an indication that the bank was broken into. Nothing was reported missing.

Shop 4 Less at the Eldorado Mall at the Water Swamp was another business place broken into. It is understood that forced entry was gained at the back of the building, the intruders having first disabled the alarm system.
The intruder(s) also forced open two inside doors: one leading into the hallway from the main store at the mall and the other door providing access to Prestige Jewellery Store. Many items were said to have been stolen from both places.

The police have in their possession video images from the business places but have difficulty in identifying the robber(s) who wore masks.

The burglars were facilitated by a van they stole from the nearby premises of Merchant Market. The vehicle was found in a bush area in the vicinity loaded with boxes.

Deputy Police Commissioner Richardson said the bandits appeared to have used a heavy object to force open the doors of the mall. He believed they had previously scouted out the stores in the building and therefore knew what they were going after.

The third business place burglarised was Kimmey’s Boutique where police were told that a pair of trousers was found outside the building.

The fourth report of burglary was received by the Police from the Roaches Hill area. Nothing was reported missing. Police went to the scene but the victim requested that no further action should be taken.

In other matters, Inspector Ruan said that during the week under review the Police had arrested nine persons. Five of the arrests were to prevent a breach of the peace, two for possession of an offensive weapon, one for suspicion of discharging a fireman and the other arrest was occasioned by a breach of a court order.

There were four reports of theft. The items stolen were a laptop computer, two cellular phones and two bicycles. The offences were committed at Sandy Ground, Long Path, North Side and Stoney Ground.

Meanwhile, Inspector Sinclair reported that the Police Drugs and Firearms Task Force was actively carrying out its work. Among other matters he said efforts were continuing to find Kittitian national Devon Otto who the Police want to question about a shooting death at Blowing Point. Police believe that Otto is being assisted by persons unknown to evade them in their search for him. A reward of EC$10,000 has been posted for information leading to his whereabouts and arrest.

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