Oct. 17, 2007 — With gun crimes a problem across the territory, the U.S. Attorney's office has set up a hot line number so residents may report information.
"We will not tolerate this high level of violence in our community," said U.S. Attorney Anthony Jenkins, according to a news release issued Wednesday. "The support of the community is essential to successfully addressing all crime issues, including gun crimes."
The number is 776-4867. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the phone is answered by staff at the U.S. Attorney's office. If that person is not available, the phone will automatically roll over to an extension in the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ATF staff will answer the phone. If ATF staff is not available, or it's after business hours, callers may leave a recorded message.
If callers do not wish to leave a message, they should call the front desk of the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On St. Thomas and St. John, the number is 774-5757. On St. Croix, the number is 773-3920.
Anyone who wants to report information about gun offenses or other crimes may also contact local and federal law-enforcement offices, Jenkins said.
"All information concerning criminal acts from the public is important and should be reported to law enforcement," he said. “Remaining silent only allows criminals to commit additional crimes.”
Someone has information when a crime is committed, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Murphy.
"Those criminals never keep their mouths shut," he said. "They love to brag."
Crime affects every resident because of its impact on the "atmosphere," Murphy said. If people remain silent, they contribute to a situation where residents feel less safe, he said.
"Every time somebody is victimized, it affects everybody," he said.
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