Crime Stoppers needs your help reducing vehicle thefts in the community. If you know something, say something, as law enforcement cannot control crime without your help.
We read about it. We cry about it. We pay for it.
Vehicle theft occurs daily in the Virgin Islands. Vehicles are not stolen just for their parts; they are being used in serious crimes such as drive-by shootings, robberies, burglaries and rapes.
Who is stealing the vehicles? Where are they being hidden? Who are the buyers and the sellers? How does a Jeep Cherokee stolen on St. Croix find its way to Trinidad?
You can do your part in reducing the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen. Park your car in a way that makes stealing it difficult. Park in visible, well-lit areas, lock valuables in the trunk, and never leave your vehicle running while you go into a store or gas station.
Recent surveys have found that 79 percent of drivers always lock their vehicles and 93 percent never leave spare keys in their vehicle. However, one-third of drivers admit to leaving their vehicle running, 47 percent don’t park in well-lit areas, 40 percent don’t hide their valuables. One-fourth have left a purse or wallet visible in the car.
Although most drivers know there are consequences of vehicle theft such as paying the insurance deductible and the cost of replacing vehicles not covered by insurance, virtually none consider insurance premium increases, the cost of time spent dealing with police, vehicle rental costs and the cost of time off from work.
Vehicle theft affects more than just the victim. Tell us what you know. Help make our community a safer place to live by submitting information on vehicle theft at www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Tips are completely anonymous, and 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 to be paid according to your instructions.
