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Crime went up 12% in 2024 under Mark Collins
In an emergency press conference on January 15, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, disclosed a 12 percent increase in crime for 2024 compared to the previous year.
The rise was attributed primarily to the activities of the notorious ‘Money Boys’ gang, which is alleged to now be engaged in organised property crimes, including burglaries, robberies, and vehicle thefts.
According to the Top COP, "Last year was a difficult one for the RVIPF. I have just reviewed our crime figures and can report that crime increased in the Virgin Islands by 12 percent compared to the previous year, 2023.”
The increase, she said, “was largely the result of organised gang activities carried out by the Money Boys gang, who we believe committed many of our burglaries, robberies, and vehicular thefts”
Organised Crime
Vanterpool during the media engagement noted; however, that intensive efforts were made by the RVIPF to combat the Money Boys gang.
"We grappled with the gang for several months, and toward the end of November, we were able to limit their ability to commit crimes; Working with the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and the courts, we were successful in arresting and remanding several of their key players. Indeed, some of them have already been found guilty or pleaded guilty as charged," she said.
The Commissioner, as such, credited the dedication of her officers, whose efforts ensured that the festive season was "safe, enjoyable, and largely crime-free."
She reassured the public of her continued commitment to public safety, reaffirming that, “as Commissioner, you have my word that I and my officers will leverage every resource available to us to tackle the crime situation so that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work, and have a vacation.
Collins got off scot-free
Among the criticisms towards the former CoP Collins from the public was that he was unable to effectively tackle crime in the territory. Many believe the lack of morale among officers during this tenure may have played a part.
Many felt Mr Collins got off scot-free, following a review of the myriad of damning allegations against him. Some of the damning complaints against Mr Collins stemmed from leaked emails in which he requested senior ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to destroy certain evidence relevant to a matter involving a now-retired officer.
Many in the public had questioned why Mr Collins was not sent on leave during this time, especially since this has been the norm against public officers even before evidence was presented.
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15 Responses to “Crime went up 12% in 2024 under Mark Collins”
He will be ok he has a w***e face
You don't have to agree but truth is truth. Bear in mind we are all dealing with a proplexed territory with good and evil in it. Rooting out evil is no no for many in this territory because of friend and family so evil will always be an eye sore covered up with a plaster. Policing is not an easy job bad apples must be rooted out they cause the entire box to rot. Smell bad and look bad time to seperate the good from the bad and the territory will get a lot better. Respect your self and others will respect you. There are some people who would not like him because he was not a walk over we often forget.