Spike in gun crimes! A number of illegal firearms in BVI
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting a spike in gun crimes in the British Virgin Islands in recent times.
Police said several incidents involving firearms were reportedly used and even discharged last week alone.
Having already seized 21 illegal firearms for this year, the RVIPF said these most incidents are “evidence that there are a number of these illegal weapons [still] on the street”.
“Sunday morning one week ago, two young males were attacked by gunfire while on their scooters near Spring Bay. Fortunately, neither sustained life-threatening injuries. On Saturday just after midnight, two masked males, both carrying firearms, robbed an establishment in Sea Cows Bay resulting in cash and a handbag being taken. No injuries were reported,” police said in a media release on Monday.
“Later that afternoon, a female reported that her ex-boyfriend pointed a handgun at her, threatened her and allegedly shot at the vehicle she was driving while in the West End area. On the same day, the sound of a gunshot was heard outside the East End Police Station soon after two persons entered seeking assistance for an earlier dispute. One shell was recovered at the scene,” the RVIPF further reported.
It continued: “Last night, three men were arrested on suspicion of discharging a firearm after six shots were heard in the Brewers Bay area.”
The police are now appealing to the public for information about the identity of persons with illegal firearms. As it relates to last Friday’s incident, the RVIPF is asking anyone with information to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 284-368-9339.
“All information will be held in the strictest confidence,” police said.
Having already seized 21 illegal firearms for this year, the RVIPF said these most incidents are “evidence that there are a number of these illegal weapons [still] on the street”.
“Sunday morning one week ago, two young males were attacked by gunfire while on their scooters near Spring Bay. Fortunately, neither sustained life-threatening injuries. On Saturday just after midnight, two masked males, both carrying firearms, robbed an establishment in Sea Cows Bay resulting in cash and a handbag being taken. No injuries were reported,” police said in a media release on Monday.
“Later that afternoon, a female reported that her ex-boyfriend pointed a handgun at her, threatened her and allegedly shot at the vehicle she was driving while in the West End area. On the same day, the sound of a gunshot was heard outside the East End Police Station soon after two persons entered seeking assistance for an earlier dispute. One shell was recovered at the scene,” the RVIPF further reported.
It continued: “Last night, three men were arrested on suspicion of discharging a firearm after six shots were heard in the Brewers Bay area.”
The police are now appealing to the public for information about the identity of persons with illegal firearms. As it relates to last Friday’s incident, the RVIPF is asking anyone with information to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 284-368-9339.
“All information will be held in the strictest confidence,” police said.