#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 7, 2024 –  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force urges the public to exercise heightened vigilance when accepting rides from unfamiliar individuals.

This cautionary statement comes in response to recent incidents reported by two female victims, one of whom was assaulted by a male driver operating a “small blue car” in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit) Grantley Williams emphasized, “Within the past week, the RTCIPF has received two reports of incidents where female members of the public were assaulted after catching what they believed to be jitneys. The females in both incidents sustained injuries either from the assailant deviating from their intended destination or from jumping out of the moving vehicle. I urge individuals to remain vigilant when accepting rides from strangers.”

These incidents are currently under active investigation.

The RTCIPF encourages anyone with information related to these incidents or other relevant details to reach out via the following channels:

• Dial 911
• Contact the nearest police station
• Reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842
• Utilize Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous information

Safety Tips:

• Before entering a vehicle, take note of the license plate or capture a photo of it. Record this information on your phone immediately.
• Memorize the color and make of the vehicle. Observe the driver and any passengers.
• If you notice deviations from the intended route, discreetly message family or friends with the license plate number. In emergencies, dial 911 and provide detailed information about the vehicle.
• When traveling alone, opt to sit in the backseat of the vehicle for increased safety.
• Maintain focus on the journey and avoid distractions such as mobile phone games.
• Ensure your phone is adequately charged and you have sufficient data. If you suspect the driver is deviating from the route, engage in phone conversation to signal awareness and seek assistance.
• Refrain from disclosing that you are traveling alone to the driver. If engaged in conversation, avoid revealing solo travel status. Instead, mention meeting up with a friend or partner to mitigate vulnerability.