30 seconds to steal your vehicle, police chief reveals

Despite a dramatic 66% fall in murders in the sub-division DSP Manderson pointed to an increase break-ins and robberies.

Due to the imposition of nightly curfews islandwide to stymie the spread of the coronavirus, criminals have been finding other means to feed their illicit enterprise, with many houses, shops being targeted.

He told a group of residents during a virtual community meeting that they should become more cognizant of their surroundings, ensure property is properly lit and use reputable professionals to install motor vehicle tracker and security cameras.

“The last time we checked and did a survey of stolen motor vehicles it takes a criminal no more than two minutes to hotwire or break in to a motor vehicle and drive off,” said

Old Harbour’s police chief. “And there are some who will tell you when you catch up with them and interview them that it takes them no more than 30 seconds for those who would have been doing it for many a year to move a vehicle.”

While many of the break-ins remain unresolved up to now, Manderson said they have managed to crack a few cases nonetheless.

“We have had a number of successes in terms of arrests of breakers since the start of the year.

“The Old Harbour Glades and Mews areas we would have had at least three arrests in terms of breakers and robbers and we have had several recoveries of firearms stemming from robberies and other crimes.

“We would have had a number of major break-ins or attempts even in the town centre for which we have had arrest, and if I may add just two, three weeks ago, convictions in the court relative to these breakers,” he said.

He further revealed that investigators have managed to secure convictions in the courts of burglars and their assessors in connection to break-ins at a credit union and telecommunications store in the town.

He said police intelligence is telling them that a lot of local and “migrant breakers” have been targeting specific businesses with a view of selling those items on the black market or to unsuspecting customers. 

Residents were also advised to avoid driving into the usually congested town to help reduce traffic congestion going into the festive season.

“If it’s not absolutely necessary do not drive come into the town.  It is better for you to call a taxi service or car pool especially during this season,” he said, before adding “you save on gas. You save on trying to find a parking space which just doesn’t exist”.

He’s urging residents to desist attending wakes, funerals, and parties to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and is a breach under the Disaster Risk Management Act.