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'Clear reduction in robberies & firearm incidents' during festive season- CoP Matthews

- said Force will seek to replicate the success going forward
Commissioner of Police at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Micheal B. Matthews has indicated that during the 2019 festive season, the force saw a reduction in robberies and firearms incidents as a result of strategic policing activity. Photo: VINO/File
The festive season has been one of low incidents, with a clear reduction in robberies and firearm incidents, according to Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews. Photo: VINO/File
The festive season has been one of low incidents, with a clear reduction in robberies and firearm incidents, according to Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews. Photo: VINO/File
Strong police presence in Carrot Bay during a 2019 Cultural Fiesta. Photo: VINO/File
Strong police presence in Carrot Bay during a 2019 Cultural Fiesta. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Commissioner of Police at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews has indicated that during the 2019 Christmas season, the force saw a reduction in robberies and firearm incidents as a result of strategic policing activity.

Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Mr Matthews said he further reported to the Governor, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert, and Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), "that we have had a most successful and virtually incident-free old Year's Night policing operation across the Territory."

Dedicated teams targeted high-risk areas - CoP Matthews 

He told this news website there were no incidents of note and, in some instances, several thousands celebrated safely and securely.

"The festive season, in general, has been one of low incidents with a clear reduction in robberies and firearm incidents, which was the key focus of our increased policing operation throughout December."

CoP Matthews continued, "We had dedicated teams focusing on pre-identified areas of risk, which has resulted in successfully ensuring that such risk was mitigated."

No dedicated year-round teams 

Whilst the operation was a success, Mr Matthews noted that during the year the force is unable to maintain dedicated teams, as in the Christmas season, since officers are drawn from other policing duties.

"We will debrief the operation and look to see where we can replicate the success going forward," Mr Matthews assured.

Ahead of the 2019 season, Mr Matthews told VINO that the RVIPF was primed and ready for the holidays with heightened police presence to enhance safety and security for businesses and individuals.

11 Responses to “'Clear reduction in robberies & firearm incidents' during festive season- CoP Matthews”

  • Bulldawg (02/01/2020, 11:10) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good job indeed.
    That's the way a small Island should be at all time.
  • insider (02/01/2020, 11:11) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    This guy good at pr but on the ground it much different crime in many areas are up!
    • Jacperlance (02/01/2020, 11:41) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      Insider I totally agree with you. I believe the bad boys just choose to be on the good side but he will not feel so. He is all about self praise.
  • Tony Blare (02/01/2020, 11:35) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    Reduction as compared to what previous period? Stop the BS, man.
  • justice (02/01/2020, 12:09) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    So, how are things coming along with the numerous unsolved murders???
  • me again (02/01/2020, 12:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don’t worry about COP Mathews Let’s bring back the BVI to the safe and p a evil place it was known to be
    Congrats to ourselves for a safe Season
  • Real crime (02/01/2020, 13:49) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is flourishing in the BVI. Is this guy blind or just on the payroll?
  • Toystory (02/01/2020, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t believe any statistics coming from him and the governor they are two of a kind
  • More bikes less crime (03/01/2020, 08:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We was busy riding bike having fun not being idle... simple
  • oh boy (03/01/2020, 13:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    You all so hate Police, that it brings out the ignorance and stupidity in everyone of you.
    Tell me what the Commissioner said there, that is wrong. He was specific in saying that there was a reduction in Robberies and Firearm incident for the Festive Season. He is correct.
    We should be proud as a People and see what we can do to keep it that way all through the year to keep the BVIs still one of the safest places in the Caribbean.
    Who ever you all may be, please read and understand. Come on.
  • Guy Hill 2020 (04/01/2020, 06:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Virgin Islands needs to develop a culture where the corrupt people fear the incorruptible people and not the other way around. Be Brave.


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