Changes in security detail and measures at the home of Prime Minister Gaston Browne have followed the unprecedented break-in and theft of personal computers and Ipads from the Hodges Bay property.
The PM discovered the burglary on Sunday when he and his family returned to Antigua from a two-week vacation.
Speaking to OBSERVER media from the Dominican Republic where he travelled for a meeting yesterday, PM Browne said he finds the incident “worrisome” considering he “should have had the best security” which included Police and Defence Force officers who worked around the clock.
The PM did not indicate the nature of the information on the personal devices valued thousands of dollars nor did he have concern about that. He expressed confidence though, that regardless of whether they are recovered, the thief will be identified.
At the same time, he said he hasn’t made a decision on whether the person should be arrested and prosecuted once caught. It is a discretion he has as the victim of the crime.
“I know the police are handling the issue and I am pretty sure they will determine who the culprit is based on information we have. I don’t wish to say much more on that, but will add that we are making changes to security not only in terms of personnel but other measures to make sure we don’t have another occurrence,” he said.
OBSERVER media understands the PM’s home was not outfitted with CCTV cameras to monitor the entire property, and further that the Defence Force guarded the house from 6 pm to 6 am, while the police manned it during the day from 6 am to 6 pm.
Immediately after realising what had happened, the PM, according to well-placed sources, requested a change in the structure and personnel, and installation of additional electronic security systems.