The V.I. Police Department on Thursday was questioning a suspect in a burglary that may shed light on a recent crime wave on St. John.
Police have a identified “a person of interest who is being questioned, and warrants are being drafted up,” said David Cannonier, assistant chief of police for St. John. “It appears that the burglary was linked to car break-ins.”
Last weekend, V.I National Park rangers received seven reports from beach-goers who said items were stolen from their vehicles. In some cases, thieves took keys left in unguarded bags on the beach to gain access to the cars, and in other cases the vehicle windows were smashed.
A review of the police log from Oct. 29 through Dec. 19 showed that crime on St. John has been on the rise in recent weeks. Seven burglaries, two break-in and two attempted break-ins of residences were reported throughout the island in neighborhoods including Bethany, Bellevue, Calabash Boom, Carolina, Chocolate Hole, and Haulover.
In addition, four robberies – three at gunpoint – had been reported since the end of October.
Four burglaries and two armed robberies were reported on St. John between Sept. 24 and Oct. 22. Two minor males and three adult males were arrested in Cruz Bay late Oct. 22 on charges relating to a robbery and gun possession.
