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Crime

Crime Wave just as bad as COVID wave, Residents demanding action

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2022 – “We need to take action against this crime immediately!” Was the call from one TCI resident over the weekend shared via social media and he is not alone. The consensus is that crime in the country seems out of control.

Residents are sharing their experiences and expressing frustration that no one official is facing the public during what is a doubly hard season; a spike in COVID which had the TCI inching ever so close to 1000 active cases and crime sprees where criminals are hitting multiple spots per night and there is a return of home invasions.

“Six armed men came here and robbed the store. They also robbed the Rooster Black next door and the Laundromat next door,” explained the man, a customer at one of the stores hit by a late afternoon heist on Saturday January 15.

The young man was making the comment to a cell phone camera, expressing his shock at the stream of crimes.  That video was later shared and it spread like wildfire on the weekend.

Another resident voiced a friend’s harrowing experience in a social media voice note.

“Four guys [went] inside the house with masks and everything and the pointed guns at [her] mommy, her husband and all the family. They took all the phones, the computers, everything.”

There is an air of fear as violent incidents, robberies and home invasions rise amidst weak communications from the Royal TCI Police Force.

The Force eventually confirmed there were at least five home invasions in the Turks and Caicos between Thursday January 13 and Friday January 14 alone.

So far two suspects have been arrested Lorenzo Caesar, aged 36, and Stevenson Morris, aged 46 have been charged with aggravated burglary in connection with at least one of the robberies on Thursday. A teen, only 17 years old was also held with a firearm and ammunition over the weekend, after reportedly “shooting up at the club”.

Still residents are not convinced of their safety and confidence in the Police is on shaky ground, yet again.

As residents grappled with the report of such a young gun crime perpetrator, there came word of two people being fired upon on Sunday in Five Cays.  Both were rushed to hospital.  There has been no statement on the alleged ambush from authorities; but it seems both survived the hail of bullets.

In another public opinion, it said most concerning was that more dangerous gun wielding criminals were not being apprehended. The individual noted on social media that cutlass and machete using criminals were the “least of [the TCI’s] concerns when gunmen were on the loose”

It has been nearly a month since Premier Washington Misick promised to address crime in the New Year and two weeks since his National Security Council (NSC) meeting which he promised would be followed by a statement on crime.

In the past month, there have been four murders, at least three shootings and numerous armed burglaries of businesses, homes and individuals.

As the list of incidents grows longer there is no guidance, condemnation for the brutal acts or general updates forthcoming from the NSC, Police, Governor or the elected Government.

 

Crime

TCI Police Report a Rape Conviction, Handfield registered as SEX OFFENDER

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force acknowledges the sentencing of convicted rapist ELVETHAN “ALVIN” HANDFIELD to life imprisonment following his guilty plea. Handfield was charged with the following offences: Two Counts of RAPE and Two Counts of USING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON TO CAUSE FEAR.

The Supreme Court delivered the ruling yesterday (February 6), with Handfield, 47, of Glass Shack, Providenciales, being ineligible for parole until he has served 16 years. Should parole be granted, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, stated: “Following an extensive investigation by our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Handfield was charged after a report made by a female victim on April 20, 2024. The victim, after entering a jitney driven by Handfield on April 19, 2024, was taken to his residence in Glass Shack, where she was subjected to sexual assault before being released the following day.

“This heinous act of violence, where Handfield posed as a jitney driver, lured, and assaulted the victim while threatening harm, is despicable. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward, demonstrating immense courage in ensuring that this predator is brought to justice.

We recognize this is a difficult journey, and our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit officers remain available to support the healing process.

We take this opportunity to urge any victims of sexual violence to come forward. Your reports are vital in removing dangerous offenders from our streets and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect and safeguard the communities.”

If you have been a victim or know anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, please get in touch with the police without delay at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696 or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at -338-4013.

All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

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Crime

Officer Injured, Possible Suspect Rams Police Vehicle

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – At approximately 12:09 AM on Sunday (February 2), a team of officers patrolling Kew Town, Providenciales, observed a black Nissan Note travelling without headlights.

Officers activated their flashing lights, causing the vehicle to slow down. However, as they exited their vehicle, the Nissan Note suddenly accelerated, colliding with the police jeep and injuring an officer. As officers attempted to return to their vehicle, they heard loud explosions similar to gunfire coming from the Nissan Note. They returned fire.

Despite his injuries, the wounded officer, along with his colleagues, pursued the fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase that concluded on Bay Road, Blue Hills.

Upon stopping, two male suspects exited the vehicle. One suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed it toward the officers while attempting to flee with his accomplice, prompting an officer to take evasive action and fire in the direction of the gunman.

The suspects managed to evade capture. The injured officer was transported for urgent medical treatment and remains stable.

Acting Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and cowardly attack on our police officers who were simply doing their duty. This violent act is not just an attack on the RT&CIPF in the lawful execution of their; it is an attack on the safety, security, and order of our communities. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, stepping into dangerous and unpredictable situations to uphold the law and protect our people. This is a high-risk job, yet these brave men and women continue to serve with unwavering dedication.

“Let this be a clear message: The RT&CIPF will not allow criminals to believe they can act with impunity. We will continue to stand firm against those who threaten the peace and security of our islands. I implore my officers to remain firm and decisive when confronted by these vicious elements in society whilst ensuring that their actions are always within the framework of the law.

“I also call on the public to recognize the sacrifices officers make every day. The risks they take are real, and they do so to keep our communities safe. Support your officers and cooperate with them”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous tips. Individuals can also use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information securely and confidentially.

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Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

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Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm
  •  One Count Possession of Ammunition
  • One Count Robbery
  • One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

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