Police said they cracked a major housebreaking ring in eastern New Providence that allegedly involved three women and two men, and recovered thousands of dollars worth of stolen items.
Superintendent Elaine Sands, officer-in-charge of the Eastern Division, said the case highlights the involvement of women in such crimes.
“It’s a kind of new trend,” she said at a press conference at Elizabeth Estates Police Station.
“We had suspected over the past year or two that women were involved, but now we really are sure that woman are involved. They are being used in these break-ins.
“I want the public to be mindful about females knocking on their doors. We know that females are vitally involved in these break-ins.”
Sands said police initially arrested six women and five men, but only had sufficient evidence to charge three women and two men.
She said police recovered about 16 flat screen televisions, other electronic items and jewelry.
“There appears to be a ready market for televisions,” she said. “We have several persons in custody for receiving.”
Sands said eight homes in eastern New Providence and seven homes in other parts of the island were broken into, reportedly by the group in custody.
“In a lot of cases, entry is gained through the doors,” she said. “A lot of these victims, their doors were kicked in.”
Sands said CCTVs and alarm systems at various homes greatly assisted in the investigations. She encouraged homeowners to install some form of security system if they do not already have one.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Cleophus Cooper said another housebreaking trend involves criminals dressed as service men.
Cooper said homeowners should call the police if someone shows up unannounced at their door purporting to be a representative from a utility company or another company.
“Also, try to get as much information as you can, description of clothing, height ,” he said. “This is one of the modus operandi that we’ve seen.” The arrests brought an end to a weeks-long investigation, police said.
Krystel Rolle
The Nassau Guardian
Caption: Thousands of dollars worth of electronics were confiscated after police officers cracked a major housebreaking ring in the eastern part of New Providence. Pictured is Officer-in-Charge of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Eastern Division Superintendent Elaine Sands. AHVIA J. CAMPBELL TNG 2013
