Antiguan police are alerting the public to a growing robbery trend in which young men are forcibly snatching gold jewelry — including necklaces, bracelets, and rings — directly from victims in public spaces.
According to Antigua Observer, Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers described the alarming tactic during an interview with Observer Radio, drawing comparisons to the "smash and grab" style of robbery commonly associated with retail theft.
The Commissioner's warning signals an escalating concern among law enforcement about the brazenness of these street-level attacks, which target individuals in open, public settings. Victims are being relieved of their jewelry in swift, sudden encounters, leaving little time to react or resist.
Residents are being urged to remain vigilant, particularly when wearing visible gold jewelry in public areas. As reported by Antigua Observer, authorities are actively monitoring the trend as part of broader efforts to address street crime across the island.
