“These are often ‘opportunist’ thefts and people need to be aware of the risk of not securing their property effectively,” the RVIPF stated in a press release on Monday, March 9, 2021.

It said tools in unfinished homes, buildings under repair, storage units and toolboxes in the back of trucks are the targets of thieves who make off with expensive electrical items such jackhammers, drills, saws and sanders.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting a spike in theft of tools for a second week in a row and is urging the public to place added security around these items.

Secure tools properly

Police are urging contractors, foremen and other residents to ensure that all tools are marked by an engraver or specialized security marker so if found, the items can be identified.

Owners of properties are also asked to ensure that these tools are stored in enclosed areas and locked, and there is enough lighting around containment units to discourage thieves from entering at nights. Security cameras can also be very useful in monitoring and recording activities while no one is on the premises.

Police said they are following several leads into these incidents but are appealing to anyone with information into these thefts to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the RVIPF access number 311.

“All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”