The police reported on Wednesday this week that the crime level in Anguilla had been reduced significantly. They said that the island was basically enjoying a period of calm, notwithstanding a few incidents on the weekly police blotter.

L-R: Inspector Emris Rogers, Deputy Commissioner Rudolph Proctor and Inspector Paul Sinclair

The comments by Inspector Paul Sinclair and Deputy Commissioner, Rudolph Proctor, followed the report of criminal activities on the island during the period December 23-30 presented by Inspector Emris Rogers.

That report stated that eight crimes were committed. There was one burglary at East End, but nothing was reported missing. Five theft reports were received from Stoney Ground, Blowing Point, George Hill and South Hill. Fowls, goats and a 100-pound gas cylinder were reportedly stolen.

There was one case of criminal damage.

Nine arrests were made during the period. In the first four cases, one male each was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace; for criminal damage; for committing grievous bodily harm and on a bench warrant. Five males were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis in The Farrington area.

There were eight traffic accidents.

“I am pleased to say that it is good news this week as seen from the blotter read by Inspector Rogers that the volume of crime is down and some of those crimes reported on that blotter may have happened weeks before they were reported,” Inspector Sinclair commented. “So we are enjoying a significant period of peace and tranquility,…but we are continuing to be very active in our patrols.

Inspector Sinclair, who heads the Drugs and Firearms Task Force, reported that from 6-8 o’clock on Wednesday morning special police patrols were carried out in The Farrington and George Hill. The objective was to randomly search vehicles for drugs and firearms or any other weapon. “I have to say that in my location the people who were stopped were good natured and we did not meet with any hostility or resentment that I could see,” he said. “I am very grateful to the people who were delayed and cooperated. We will continue the operation throughout the holiday period.”

Deputy Commissioner Proctor confirmed that the police were now engaged in some robust patrols and spot checks on land as well as at sea. “Our marine unit has for the past month been vigorously patrolling our coastal waters and offshore quays, and we will continue to make that presence clear with our law enforcement counterparts – Customs, Immigration and Fisheries,” he added.

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