Armed robberies
The Special Robbery Unit has reported that between November 12th and November 16th at least six armed robberies have taken place. These robberies were committed by two or three persons who are armed with guns, such as a revolver, a pistol or a shotgun.
In some cases the robbers will cover their faces and in other cases they would not cover their faces. They will threaten their victims with their fire-arms and if necessary use any amount force to achieve their goal. Their victims will be robbed of their jewelry, monies, laptops, cellphones etc. After committing their act they would flee the scene mostly a motor vehicle.
The Special Robbery Unit is also reporting that in connection with these investigation 4 persons have been arrested and remain in custody for questioning. More arrests are expected in these ongoing investigations.
Boat transporting illegal persons intercepted.
On Tuesday November 17th at approximately 02.30 a.m. the Central Police Dispatch was contacted by the local Coast Guard informing them that during their patrol in the territorial waters of Sint Maarten, they intercepted a suspicious vessel by the name of Agatha D. Grenada. During their control on board of this vessel they found 32 illegal persons on board. Most of these persons were female of which one eleven year old girl. All persons are of Haitian nationality and were brought to the Philipsburg Police Station for processing. According to the statements of many of these persons is that they were on their way to Miami. An investigation is being carried out by the Immigration Dept. to determine exactly, who these persons are, where they were going and who is responsible for this boat trip among many other questions that have to answered. With exception of the 11 year old girl who is staying at the "I Can Foundation" all other persons will be held at the Philipsburg Police Station until the necessary steps have been taken for their safe trip back to their country. The vessel "Agatha D. Grenada" was also confiscated for further investigation.
Armed robbers strike in broad daylight
On Tuesday November 17th between 09.30 a.m. and 10.10 a.m. one business on the Billy Folly road and supermarket Located on the Union road were robbed by armed bandits. During these two robberies money was taken from the establishment. The robbers after committing their act fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. Its to early in the investigation of these two cases to state that they have been committed by the same robbers, however their are indications that this might be possible. The Special Robbery Unit are investigating.
4 armed men threatened business man
On Tuesday November 17th at approximately 12.10 p.m. several police patrols were sent to the Plantation Tourbus Company on the Welgelegen road, where according to information that came, four armed men had entered the building at the same time showing their weapons and demanding the owners of the establishment the sign falsified documents. These documents would be used to allow them to collect monies on the French side. The owners of the establishment refused to sign any documents and unknowingly to the men notified the police. When these men noticed that they could not intimidate the owners and realised the police had been notified, they jumped into an awaiting car and fled the scene.
The Detective Dept. is investigating this case.
The Police Dept. is reminding the general public to make use of the "tipline 9300" by providing serious information that may help to help solve crime on Sint Maarten.