Police refute media claims of 17 vehicle break-ins

the Public Relations Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has accused the media of publishing incorrect information.

A press release issued by the Department on Tuesday, May 2, states: “The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) would like to refute inaccurate reports published in the media here that seventeen (17) vehicle break-ins took place in the vicinity of Carnival City, Victoria Park,{{more}} over the May 22nd to 25th, 2015, weekend. According to our records, there were no reports of vehicle break-ins over the weekend period in question.”

But while the police have denied that numerous vehicles were broken into during this period, at least one person who had their vehicle burglarized on Saturday, May 23, while attending a show at Victoria Park took to Facebook to voice his displeasure at the police statement.

“How can they say that? I went to CID (Criminal Investigations Department) on the 26th and made an official report and I got broke into on the night of the 23rd. Police was there on the spot waiting for me on the 23rd,” said Akers resident Kevin James, via a Facebook post.

When contacted, Head of the Police Public Relations Department Inspector Hawkins Nanton says that he has checked the records and there is no indication that James has filed a report with the CID about his vehicle being burglarized.

James said that he had to pay EC$350 to repair his broken window, while he also lost an EC$400 cellular device belonging to his daughter.

“I done accept my loss, but gosh to hear this now is a slap in the face,” said James.

Inspector Nanton, however, insists that there is no record of James’ report and no record of any other person reporting that their vehicle was violated in any way.

“The RSVGPF would like use the opportunity to reassure residents of St Vincent and the Grenadines and visitors to our shores that the necessary public security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe Vincy Mas and that there is no cause for fear or alarm,” the police release further stated.

James’ brother, Carlos ‘Manage’ James, commented via Facebook about the scenario, “Well well. So public health is not in the vicinity of Victoria Park? And did the police throw away the report that was made?”

Unconfirmed reports are that upwards of 17 vehicles were burglarized between May 22 and May 23 in the vicinity of the Victoria Park.