Calabash Boom Residents Urged To Secure Homes in Wake of Rash Burglaries

Five recent burglaries in the Calabash Boom area have residents concerned—and the V.I. Police Department issuing safety warnings.

The first burglary was reported on Thursday, Feb. 9, when tourists in the area witnessed two masked and hooded men outside a home in the area. Calls to the VIPD—by a member police department’s St. John Citizens Integration Team (CIT)—brought a response more than 45 minutes later.

Four additional burglaries occurred between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13 in the Calabash Boom area. VIPD quickly responded to the scene when they were informed, but the burglars were far gone by then.

“There were a couple of burglaries reported in the Calabash Boom area, and we have to do some educating right now,” said VIPD spokesperson Sgt. Thomas Hannah. “Part of that situation is that residents of the Coral Bay area must secure their homes before they leave. That means that they must lock their doors and windows.”

Two of the burglaries occurred at houses which were left open, according to Sgt. Hannah.

“It is reflected in the police reports that that a couple of these situations occurred at residences where doors were left unlocked,” he said. “We are asking residents in the area to be vigilant and make sure that doors and windows are locked, including sliding glass doors.”