BVI says recent rental car thefts add to uptick in crime

TORTOLA — Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said that crime figures increased 12 percent in the British Virgin Islands in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Police linked the uptick to gang activity, she said. “The increase was largely the result of organized gang activities carried out by the Money Boys Gang, who we believe committed many of our burglaries, robberies and vehicular thefts,” Vanterpool said. “We grappled with the gang for several months, and toward the end of November, were able to limit their ability to commit crimes. Working with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the courts, we were successful in arresting and remanding several of their key players.”

Vanterpool said that some of the perpetrators have already been found guilty or entered pleas and that police will continue working on solving crimes. “As Commissioner, you have my word that I and the officers I lead, will leverage every resource available to us to tackle the crime situation so that the BVI remains the safest place to live, work and have your vacation,” she said.