Although the first quarter of 2025 saw reductions in serious offences such as sexual offences by 42%, serious assaults by 17%, and other burglaries by 44%, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is drawing attention to concerning increases in other areas that have contributed to a net rise in overall crime. Photo: VINO/File

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool emphasised the importance of community partnership in tackling the troubling crime trends. Photo: GIS/File

Most notably, the RVIPF stated in a press release today, April 24, 2025, Robberies doubled, rising from 6 incidents in quarter one (Q1) of 2024 to 12 in Q1 of 2025, a 100% increase.

Damaging Property cases rose by 75%, with 24 more cases in 2025 as opposed to the same period in 2024.

Theft of Motor Vehicles increased by 47% and saw 8 more cases in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Minor Assaults also increased by 25%, a concerning spike which saw 18 more reported crimes in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

The increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults arose mostly out of domestic dispute incidents. Reducing these, the RVIPF said, will require continuation from the police, social services, volunteer organisations and other groups and individuals in the community.

'Remain vigilant & work with the RVIPF'- ACoP Vanterpool

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool emphasised the importance of community partnership in tackling these troubling trends.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains. Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”

The RVIPF said it remains committed to addressing criminal activities through focused policing and continued collaboration with the public.

Anyone with information on any crime is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas to (284) 800-8477.