by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Cromwell Henry advised motorists to desist from parking their vehicles at Reggae Beach, more specifically at night, to avoid damage or loss of their vehicles and the contents inside, respectively.
“That area has always been a major concern for us. It is a remote location. I would dare say isolated in terms of the activities that occur there, and the best that we can do for this time is advise people. “Do not leave your vehicles at this location, especially at night. The security there is unreliable at night, in particular. Our patrols make frequent visits to that location, but as you can appreciate, we cannot stay there indefinitely or for any extended period and so we, at this point, would advise persons, if you’re moving over to Nevis, have someone take you or use public service transport to get you there so that you do not have to leave your vehicles in a dark, isolated area for any extended period.”
Between the night of May 26 and the early morning of May 27, 2023, there was a mass break-in of about ten vehicles at Reggae Beach. Several deejays, artists and promoters parked their vehicles at Reggae Beach and boarded the Water taxi to Nevis for an event. Upon their return, they recognised that their vehicles had been vandalised.
The destruction included smashed windows and damaged doors, and the bandit(s) also made off with very expensive or valuable equipment.
However, for the most recent major event in Nevis, Tropixx, the event’s organiser was asked to provide security for individuals who left their vehicles at Reggae Beach. Henry confirmed that there were no incidents reported.
Reggae Beach, located on the Peninsula of St. Kitts, has several beach bars and a pier. However, there is very little lighting at night and a very low possibility for people to be at the location during the later hours of the night.
Deputy Commissioner Henry hinted at the possibility of further developing the area to include proper security.
“Somewhere down the road, security will be improved as that area is developed to accommodate passengers moving, but for now, we cannot guarantee the security and safety of your vehicle for any extended periods at night in particular. So, we advise against parking there.”
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force issued a statement admonishing the public to be extra vigilant in the summer months, as several major events are expected to draw large crowds and increase the use of the Water Taxi Services.
“As is our local custom, there is an increase in large social gatherings, fetes, events, and festivals during the Summer months. This increase in socialising creates a number of conditions and situations in which criminal elements feel emboldened to commit nefarious acts against law-abiding citizens and residents. Insofar as possible, the RSCNPF strongly urges the general public to be increasingly vigilant and careful when leaving their possessions unattended, particularly in instances where one has to leave their vehicle(s) unattended for extended periods. It is imperative that persons take precautionary measures within their civilian capacity to safeguard themselves and their possessions from wilful individuals.”
The police issued some tips that individuals can execute to protect their vehicles.
Do not leave small items of value in your vehicle, including cash, electronic gadgets, keys, bags, purses, wallets etc. When leaving your vehicles, make a considerable effort to park in open spaces where the vehicle is either visible from multiple angles or illuminated by light. Avoid parking in isolated areas at night. Always ensure that your vehicle is completely locked before leaving it. Always activate your vehicle’s alarm. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to check on your vehicle.
The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recorded an upsurge in the number and frequency of robberies, theft and larcenies during April and May 2023. The police made some arrests, but it is unclear whether any person has been arrested for the vandalism of vehicles at Reggae Beach.
