The arrest of almost 20 juveniles suspected of breaking into 134 homes in the south-east area of the island has prompted police to urge parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts more closely.
According to police, home burglaries in the south-east division, which includes Garden Hills, Malcolm Heights, Joan’s Heights, South Beach and Imperial Park, for the period January to March have increased by more than 100 per cent from the same period last year. There were 60 incidents in 2005, compared to the 134 so far this year.
Police say that the majority of burglaries took place during οΎ the day when the youngsters’ should have been in school. Among the items stolen were video games, dvds and dvd players, cell phones, jewellery, lap top computers and cash.
Police representing the areas Prepall Tract, Nassau Street, Chippingham, Elizabeth , Estates, Yamacraw Estates, Carmichael Road, West Bay Street have also been faced with similar challenges.
According to ASP Chris Rahming, head of the Nassau Street police station and head of the Tourism Division and Spring Break, tourism officials joined by Nassau Street Police Station apprehended a group believed to have been breaking into homes since March. Believed to be associated with that group
were two juveniles ages 16 and 17.
Mr Rahming said in the course of their investigations, police discovered several bags containing electrical components, a lap top computer, hair supplies, CD’s, DVD’s, watches – and jewellery, all believed to be stolen and hidden in nearby bushes.
While this increase of burglaries in itself is cause for concern, police say that they are particularly disturbed at the alarming number of juveniles who have been taken into custody in connection with the crimes.
Gabrielle Pratt, the second officer in charge of the East Street South police station, said yesterday that following a crackdown in the south east area, police officers took into custody 31 persons – 12 adults and 19 juveniles. The youngest person was 12 years old.
“We are concerned about the number of juveniles taken into custody and we want to encourage parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts in the day, particularly during school hours.”
Police have launched a number of initiatives they say are designed to crack down on these housebreaking, but are also urging parents to assist them.
James Carey, Chief Superintendent for New Providence, said that parents need to be especially observant of what children bring home, particularly when it is something of value.
In those incidents, he said, parents need to speak with their children and determine exactly how they got the items.
“You need to monitor your kids activities. The number of kids not going to school or leaving school (during the day) to commit crimes, is too high,” he said.
He added that homeowners need to ensure that they secure their properties. Often, he said, persons place burglar bars on all the windows except the bathroom which then serves as a means of entry.
He also encouraged the use of home security systems. Mr Carey noted that neighbourhood crime watches and community police presence can also deter crime.
By CARA BRENNEN Tribune Staff Reporter
