Police are urging residents to take greater precautions with their personal property following two separate theft incidents in quick succession, according to Antigua.news. Investigators are currently pursuing leads in a burglary at a Green Bay residence and a mobile phone theft in the Joseph Lane area.
The burglary took place shortly before midnight on Monday, June 29, when three men allegedly forced their way into a home occupied by a woman. The intruders ransacked the property before fleeing with gold jewellery, silver chains, a cellular phone, a handbag and a jewellery box. Police have not disclosed how the men gained entry or whether the occupant was directly confronted. No arrests have been made.
In a separate incident on Tuesday afternoon, a Samsung Galaxy A22 cellular phone valued at approximately EC$650 was reported stolen in the Joseph Lane area. Police said the theft occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. The two cases are not believed to be connected.
Law enforcement officials say the incidents nonetheless serve as a timely reminder that opportunistic criminals frequently target valuables that are left unattended or easily accessible.
Residents are being encouraged to secure their homes by locking doors and windows, especially at night, and to consider installing security lighting, cameras or alarm systems where possible. Police are also advising the public to avoid unnecessarily displaying expensive jewellery and to keep mobile phones and other valuables within sight at all times.
Authorities are additionally recommending that owners record the serial numbers and identifying details of valuable items, noting that such information can prove critical in recovering stolen property and supporting police investigations.
Anyone with information on either case is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, the nearest police station, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477).
