TCI News

Boat thieves could be adding to illegal migration pipeline

Published

4 months ago

April 3, 2024

Dana Malcolm
Staff writer

Boat snatchers are taking pleasure craft from the Turks and Caicos to help facilitate illegal migration from Haiti, it’s been going on for some time but concerns have risen enough that the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force has issued a warning.

“Recently, there has been a concerning rise in the theft of boats from various locations within our community,” they said on March 19.

Residents are being asked to adhere to a range of safety tips including locking their boats and parking in safe locations. It’s in an effort to keep vessels out of the hands of criminals.

“The stolen boats range from small recreational vessels to medium crafts, and the perpetrators appear to be targeting them for either resale value, facilitation of illegal migration, or use in other illicit activities,” Police revealed.

In early 2023 Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration had mentioned the pleasure craft stealing ring as a facet of irregular migration in a press conference on border security.

It’s a concern for residents as a single illegal migration trip facilitated by people smugglers can bring in hundreds of people at a time. And though interceptions are often sucky singles boats are missed with hundreds escaping.

The government is doing what it can to level the playing field for police officers in the Marine Branch, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, said around $5 million was being spent in the current budget cycle on vessels. Additionally, the UK has committed to revamping boats currently in the country like those from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).

Police now want residents to Install Portable GPS Trackers which they say is the most effective way to locate a stolen boat.

Other safety tips included turning off the Boat when Unused by removing batteries and shutting down the fuel supply as ‘No one would look or think of stealing from an empty or sparse boat.’

Police also recommend having an alarm system which acts as a deterrent to thieves. They say the alarm system should be robust and weatherproof since your boat is exposed to all the elements of nature.

Related Topics:#BoatThieves #illegalmigration #turksandcaicos

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Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.