From RCIPS

Due to a steady rate of burglaries around the island despite increased police patrols and arrests, the RCIPS reminds residents to secure their apartments and homes and lock their windows and doors, including during the day. Over the last two weeks 22 residential burglaries and 7 commercial burglaries have been reported to police, along with 5 attempted burglaries. Most significantly, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of daytime residential burglaries.

“Burglars are regularly entering through insecure doors and windows while people are at work,” according to Superintendent Mike Cranswick, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department. “I encourage residents to examine their exterior doors and ensure that locks cannot be easily tampered with. There are a number of simple security measures and devices that can make your home more secure and provide you with peace of mind. These range from door wedges and window locks to contact alarms.

“While it is likely impossible to make your property 100% burglar-proof, there are some basic things that property owners can do to make it difficult or deter potential burglars from gaining access their homes. Neighbors can also help each other by being vigilant and report unusual or suspicious occurrences in their neighborhood or on their neighbor’s property.”

Mr. Cranswick went on to say that “we continue to target repeat offenders and arrest those committing burglaries, but we need our citizens and residents to be vigilant and take steps to ensure that their homes and property are not vulnerable to burglars.”

Most often home electronics, especially laptops and iPads, are stolen, though several victims have reported that jewelry and cash are also frequently taken. It also appears that burglars have begun using cleaning agents or bleach to remove their fingerprints.

The RCIPS has stepped up its efforts to prevent and investigate these crimes. There are increased police patrols in all districts, and 75 arrests have been made already this year, in comparison to 66 during the same time period last year.

Nonetheless, the RCIPS asks that the public report the following activities immediately to police, as they may be linked to an ongoing crime. Domestic helpers and other persons who may be in your home should also be informed of the following.

Suspicious occurrences to be reported to the Police and crime prevention advice:

· Someone going door-to-door asking unusual questions or asking about past or fictitious residents

· Someone knocking on doors or peeping through house or car windows

· Someone running from a car or from a home

· Someone seen on your property or that of your neighbors

· Persons dressed in hoodies in middle of the day

· Unusual noises that cannot be explained (e.g. breaking glass or pounding sounds)

· Property being removed from occupied or unoccupied homes or closed businesses

· Persons on foot loitering in a neighborhood

· Vehicles parked at a location attended or unattended for a period of time

· Employ only trusted persons or companies to do work on your property

· Do not leave windows open or unlocked while you are out

· Record property marking/record serial numbers of electronic items

· Do not keep large amounts of cash at home

· Photograph expensive jewelry

If members of the public have concerns, neighborhood officers can visit residents’ homes and advise on home security and crime prevention tips.

RCIPS Phone Contact Information

District Police Stations

George Town – 949-4222

West Bay – 949-3999

Eastern District – 947-2220

Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – 948-0331

Burglary Team – Criminal Investigations Department

244-3035 office

324-0683 mobile

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