Acting Police Commissioner Rodney F. Querrard on Tuesday called on the St. Thomas community to help the V.I. Police Department curb a recent rash of property shootings.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Querrard said there has been an increase in the number of incidents in which property has been shot.
"Vehicles and homes are being riddled with bullets with no regard for the occupants in the vehicles or the residences," Querrard said. "Family, friends and loved ones are being jeopardized in the process with no regard for their well being.”
Many of the incidents "are occurring after disturbances originating at functions at various late-night businesses and/or clubs," he added.
Querrard asked for the community’s’ support in curbing the violence.
"Speak to individuals residing in your homes who frequent these late-night functions. Advise them to cooperate with law enforcement when there is an occurrence, prior to it escalating to the point of jeopardizing friends, family and loved ones," the commissioner said.
"People have to realize that there are consequences for taking matters in to their own hands," he continued.
Querrard, the former St. Thomas/St. John district chief of police who became acting commissioner in January when Commissioner Henry White Jr. resigned, pressed the public to call police when they have information that could stop or solve a crime, especially information about guns.
"I would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone with any information as it relates to unlicensed firearms to please pass that information on to the Virgin Islands Police Department," he said. "One firearm taken off of the street is one less firearm we as a community have to face. All information received by the department will be followed up and addressed."
Anyone with information can call Querrard’s office at 340-715-5506 or the anonymous tip service Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS.)