Although police were still satisfied that crime in Anguilla is under control, the statistics show a drastic rise in criminal activity for this week with 16 arrests made. According to police sources, criminal activity during the period May 6 to 13 climbed to 14, five more than last week and three more that two weeks ago averaging 2 per day.

L-R: Inspector Emris Rogers, Deputy Commissioner Illidge Richardson and Inspector Paul Sinclair

Detective Paul Sinclair of the Drugs and Firearms Task Force insisted that, in spite of the recent criminal activity, Anguilla remains “very safe and we are still enjoying and extended period of peace and quiet.”

The blotter for the week showed that theft was still the main crime. There was one report of deception, two reports of burglaries, five of criminal damage, and six of theft.

The case of deception involved someone selling a vehicle, following which the bank confiscated it. Police noted that the practice of selling vehicles when the bank was still owed was becoming common with several cases on record. Deputy Chief of Police Illidge Richardson advised that before persons buy vehicles, they should ensure the bank has no claim on them. He said prospective buyers should insist on the name of the insurance company with which the vehicle is registered and ask the insurance company of any claims or ties that others may have on the prospective purchase.

Police Inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department Emris Rogers, pointed out that the incidences of theft occurred in East End, Long Path, Deep Warters, South Hill, Welches, and Stoney Ground. He said the items stolen were a cell phone, pro mix, and Ipod, plants and cash.

Inspector Rogers explained that the burglaries were staged in South Hill and North Side where, together, a gold chain, gold watch, and some X-Box games were lifted.

The arrests for the week were as follows: one male to prevent a breach of the peace, one male for deception, one female for obstruction, one male for possession of cannabis, four males for disorderly conduct, four males on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, one male for possession of ammunition, one male doe criminal trespass, one male for discharging a firearm, and one male for wounding.

Cannabis Farms Raided, Gun Confiscated

On May 12, fourteen Cannabis plants were recovered in the Rey Hill area and taken to the police station. No persons were connected to them. On the morning of Wednesday May 13 there was a flurry of police activity which resulted in Cannabis found in the Cauls Bottom Area. The officers found a total of 11 matured plants. Detective Sinclair commented, “Quite sinisterly a weapon was found at the scene…wrapped in a plastic bag.” The weapon turned out to be a black, plastic, lightweight BB gun.

Sinclair warned of the danger of carrying a real-looking gun. He said “If somebody pointed that (the gun) at you or any other member of the public, they would firmly believe that it is a firearm.” He indicated that anyone who commits a criminal offence in possession of an imitation firearm faces the same penalties when they go before the court. The detective said the danger of people being in possession of these imitation firearms is “if they do confront police with them and they aim the weapon at the police there is a strong likelihood, because of the training the officers were given, that the officers could discharge their weapons in response.”

The Task Force detective observed that, without touching the weapon, he would not have been convinced that it was not a real firearm. He remarked that if police has a split second to make a decision that time would not be enough to decide whether or not it is a real gun. He said BB guns are catered for under the firearm act as, for example, if a BB is shot into the eye, it can enter the brain and be potentially lethal.

Gunman Gets Arrested

On Thursday May 7 police responded to a report of a fire arm being discharged in the Rey Hill area. On arrival, the suspect had already fled the scene. Police conducted an investigation and it was found that Delroy Arendell Connor, also known as Mannie discharged the weapon. On May 9, Mannie was arrested on a warrant and appeared before the Magistrate’s court on May 11. He was subsequently remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until a May 18 hearing.

Rogers noted that reports from witnesses indicated the shots were fired at someone following what appeared to be an altercation and that person, along with others in the area, furnished police statements.

Sinclair added that, during the week, his task force assisted the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in their investigation relating to the discharge of the firearm. He said those inquiries were continuing.

Cannabis, Cigarettes Over Fence; Ammo through Gate

Inspector Rogers reported that on May 10 police arrested and charged Wendell Lake of Stoney Ground for throwing a substance over the prison fence and for possession of cannabis. Lake appeared before the magistrate on May 11 and was sent to prison until May 18.

Meanwhile, on May 12 police arrested and charged Ranaldo Gumbs of Cauls Bottom for carrying ammunition into the prison. He was bailed and appeared in court on May 13.
Rogers said Gumbs was visiting the prison carrying a pair of shoes for an inmate and a round of ammunition was found in a shoe. Police were not aware of any guns being acquired by prisoners.

Accidents

There were 2 minor traffic accidents for the period.

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