The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is investigating two (2) separate robbery incidents which occurred on Friday 10 October 2014.
The first incident occurred at New Road sometime after 2:00 PM when two (2) armed assailants carjacked a female and took her Grey Nissan Altima motor car P 8330. The Anti-Robbery Team (ART) immediately took to the streets in looking for the vehicle.
While searching for the vehicle, police received a report of “a shots fired call” at the Value Mart parking lot. The same car that was being sought was fired upon by police after they observed the occupants of the vehicle attempting to disarm the security guard. Police officers in plain clothes saw what was taking place and rushed to the aid of the security guard. The assailants disarmed the security guard. One (1) of the police officers discharged his firearm in an attempt to arrest the assailants who fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in the Ponds Estate area. The vehicle sustained two bullet holes in the rear windscreen that exited through the front windshield. It is unknown if the passenger was hit as there was no visible signs of blood in the recovered vehicle. The suspects escaped in a white pick up truck that was parked in the area.
One of the perpetrators is described as a young black male between twenty to thirty years of age, about six feet tall with facial hair, wearing a red plaid long sleeve shirt, jean pants, and a black cap with gold letters.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vaughn Henderson who was in command at the scene would like to remind the public that Commissioner Walwyn, just this week on Freedom FM radio, advised the public that these next few months before Christmas are when the Federation experiences an increase in robberies. ACP Henderson wishes to inform businesses and the general public that www.sknpolice.com is the police force’s website and by going there and clicking on the safety tips tab, they will find information to prevent carjackings, business robberies, and child molestation during this season. ACP Henderson further asks the public to be aware of their surroundings and report whatever suspicious activity they see to the police by calling 911.
ACP Henderson also advises business around the Federation to conduct a security vulnerability assessment of their businesses now, before the full christmas season gets here, in an effort to reduce becoming victims of robbery. ACP Henderson also recommends that businesses check their security cameras on a daily basis at the start and end of the business day to ensure that their surveillance equipment is working. A lack of daily monitoring of surveillance equipment by the stakeholders, is too common place in the Federation. The Police force is offering the free security consulting service of Antoinette Walwyn, MS in the form of a free security vulnerability analysis over the next week. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is open to discussing safety and security concerns with stakeholders by making an appointment with the ACP’s office. During both incidents no one was hurt.
Anyone having information pertaining to these incidents are asked to contact Superintendent Smithen at CID by calling 465-2241 ext. 220 or 230, the nearest police station, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS). Remember, you do not have to give your name and you may be eligible to receive a reward.