Crime Stoppers needs your help to make our territory a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. If you know something about a crime, say something, as law enforcement cannot control crime without your help.
For example, in the territory there has been an increase in the theft of various metal products from our homes, businesses, and utility companies. One incident that has law enforcement really perplexed is the daylight theft of 40 aluminum louvered windows from a business that was closed at the time.
This business is surrounded by a number of residences, and the only description of the thief is, “a male with locks driving an old model pickup.” If you see something suspicious, please call 911 immediately.
In addition to the direct cost of replacing stolen items, there are many indirect costs that we all pay, including the disruption of important services and the cost of preventive measures, such as locks, alarms, etc. Others include the increased cost of medical bills, missed work, police, courts, and prisons.
According to a study from 1999, the total cost of crime in the United States was $4,118 per year for each man, woman, and child—a price we are all paying.
It’s time to tell law enforcement who is buying these stolen metals. If you have seen a backyard scrap metal shop, then give us the details. And keep in mind that it is the certainty of punishment, not the severity of the punishment that makes criminals think twice.
Please continue to help make our community a safer place to live by submitting information on these or any other crimes at www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Your tips are completely anonymous, and the stateside operators speak several languages.
If your tip leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property, illegal drugs, or weapons, you will receive a cash reward of up to $2,500. The minimum reward for the arrest of a burglary suspect is $714 plus 10% of the value of any property recovered.
