As part of its continued Crime Prevention and Community Policing initiative, the VIPD Crime Prevention Bureau has providing the following suggestions that if followed, reduces burglaries and robberies within our community.
To avoid robberies:
- If possible, do not walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can — there is always safety in numbers.
- Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, do not turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
To avoid burglaries:
- Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
- Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Locks or security bars are available for better security.
- Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
The most important thing you can do is call 911 to report a crime or any suspicious activity, the VIPD said. If you see something, say something. "Let’s work together to keep our communities safe," the force said.
Call the VIPD Crime Prevention Bureau at (340) 774-2211 in St. Thomas / St. John or (340) 778-2211 in St. Croix for more information.
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