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'Increased patrols' for businesses this Christmas season - CoP Matthews

- will target criminals in highly 'vulnerable' area
Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews says the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is primed and ready for the 2019 Holiday season with heightened police presence and will also target criminals in highly 'vulnerable' areas. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) will be embarking on increased traffic enforcement for the 2019 festive season. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) will be embarking on increased traffic enforcement for the 2019 festive season. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Commissioner of Police (CoP), Mr Michael B. Matthews says the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is primed and ready for the 2019 holiday season with heightened police presence and will also target criminals in highly 'vulnerable' areas.

With December 2019 just days away, the Commissioner told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) today, November 28, 2019 that the RVIPF "will be running festive campaigns to ensure enhanced safety and security during the run-up to Christmas."

Year end crimes 

Mr Matthews continued, "It will involve among other things, increased patrols for shops and businesses as well as increased traffic enforcement."

Based on past data, December is considered 'high crime' month with seasonal criminals taking to the streets to pounce on unsuspecting victims and businesses, "We will also be running a specific security campaign to target the small minority who will try and take advantage of and commit crimes at this time of year," he said.

Mr Matthews noted; however, that the full details of the Force's plans won't be released to the public, "but as in previous years we will be targeting locations that we assess as vulnerable to any threat of crime."

Safety first - CoP Matthews 

The Commissioner of Police also took the opportunity to encourage all persons to think ‘safety’ on the roads this season, especially with office parties and Christmas celebrations.

"In short, don’t drink and drive. Arrange to be picked up or use one of our many taxis, rather than get behind the wheel if you are enjoying a party this year," Mr Matthews urged.

8 Responses to “'Increased patrols' for businesses this Christmas season - CoP Matthews ”

  • Lord Hawk (28/11/2019, 11:12) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. COP thanks for that but the year have in 12 months, 365 days and in a leap year it have 366, we want to see increase police presence every day of the year, not only in December. Thank you sir.
  • Greg (28/11/2019, 11:13) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't forget all of the beaches. Thieves target beach goers relaxing in the sun, to make a swift get-a-way. They break into their parked cars, only realizing it when they get back to the car. Place all of the new recruits all over the islands please.
  • crime (28/11/2019, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    RoadTown is the #1 crime hotspot and outside the supermarket parking lots.
  • omega (28/11/2019, 13:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The degradation of the VI,and in so many ways,creates homey and familiar atmosphere for newbies while oldies and natives recoil with resentment and embarrassment.
  • Stupes (28/11/2019, 16:19) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    TALK IS CHEAP!! This needs to be regular... heightened in peak seasons I agree. But would be a little more believable if it was CONSISTENT! Our police force MUST STEP UP THEIR GAME!
  • only now? (28/11/2019, 20:29) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need more patrols all the time, not just year end.
  • Jaigon (29/11/2019, 13:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I bet he will be busting off to the UK for more vacation.
  • who you hurt (01/12/2019, 20:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so i did meet you once talked to you about increased hostility to non belongers living in bvi. no bias, just the
    truth. so i was being baited and provoked as i am a white american. then it 'hit the fan' as they say. so i
    am crippled, partly by YOUR RVIPF people on Sept 29, 2018. I am a classical pianist, and now my hands don't
    work right. And you tell me in an email not to use bad language at you, and some of my music equpment being
    held hostage in the BVI. all of this went to the US state department right away, and all you can do is evade your
    role in this. You are filth. The debt is over $100 billion now. Lets see if you can bribe God like some rich
    schmucks in the UK bribed the US not to retaliate. you are crap and you are evil. be damned.


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