12/10/2026
Police Information Office - Press Release
Monday 12th October 2026
๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating three armed robberies that occured at business establishments across Tortola between September and October, including two incidents that occurred on consecutive evenings over the past weekend.
The most recent incidents occurred on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October, shortly before 8:00 p.m. at business places at Manuel Reef and Road Reef. Preliminary reports indicate that two males wearing face masks and gloves, travelling on scooters, were involved in both incidents.
These robberies follow an earlier incident on Friday 25th September along Blackburn Highway in the Purcell area. In that incident, two masked males dressed in black reportedly entered the establishment shortly after 9:30 p.m. and demanded cash. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with what appeared to be a handgun. Cash was taken from cash registers before the suspects fled the scene.
Investigations into all three incidents remain active, and detectives are examining the circumstances surrounding each robbery, including any possible connections.
While RVIPF crime statistics indicate a 50 percent decrease in robberies between January and August 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025, the three armed robberies recorded between September and October have raised renewed concerns.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and their impact on public confidence and community safety.
โWhile the reduction in robberies earlier this year is encouraging, these recent incidents are deeply concerning and demand our continued attention. The use of fi***rms to threaten and intimidate members of our community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. No business owner, employee, or member of the public should have to live or work under the threat of armed violence. We recognise the concerns these incidents have created, and I assure the public that we are treating these matters with the utmost seriousness,โ Acting Commissioner Vanterpool stated.
In response to the recent incidents, the RVIPF has increased targeted patrols across the Territory. These measures are intended to enhance tactical response, deter criminal activities, and provide support to business operators and residents.
Investigators are actively investigating these incidents and have developed information which have formed the basis of pursuing various lines of inquiry. While specific details cannot be disclosed at this stage, the Force remains committed to arresting those responsible and bringing them before the courts.
The RVIPF is encouraging business owners, employees, and members of the public to exercise increased vigilance and adopt the following safety precautions:
โข Remain alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly during late evening hours.
โข Avoid displaying or handling large sums of cash in public view.
โข Ensure CCTV cameras and other security systems are functioning properly and that recordings are securely maintained.
โข Report suspicious activity, particularly involving persons who may have their identity concealed.
Acting Commissioner Vanterpool further emphasised the importance of community collaboration in addressing these crimes.
โWe are determined to bring those responsible to justice, but we cannot do so without the support of the community. I urge anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information may be critical to our investigations. The victims in these incidents have been offered the requiite support as they navigate these traumatic encountersโ
The RVIPF remains committed to protecting the safety and security of the Virgin Islands and thanks the public for its continued vigilance and cooperation. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9593.
All information received will be handled confidentially.
