MORE CARS are being stolen every year, and according to the Royal Barbados Police Force a racket could be in the making.
The police believe the thieves are racing away with the vehicles as part of a systematic scheme to either strip them for parts, or to repair damaged vehicles across the island.
“We are noticing an increase in the theft of motor vehicles across Barbados,” police public relations officer, acting Superintendent David Welch told a news conference at Police headquarters, Roebuck Street, St Michael, Friday.
“Persons are trying to say it may only be in one part of the island but we are seeing this throughout the island,” he said. “We want to advise the public to remain vigilant for suspicious activity regarding their vehicles.”
Targeted
Welch said police would not reveal which brand of vehicle was being targeted. “If we do that then persons owning those vehicles would be guarded and others may let down their guard.
“Our investigations show that these cars are being stripped as used parts to repair damaged vehicles. We urge all Barbadians to properly secure their vehicles at all times.”
He said intelligence had not revealed if the parts were being exported to other countries in the Caribbean. Welch said police were unaware if the stolen vehicles were being “hot-wired” or specifically how they were being moved away.
He also warned motorists to be aware of a recent criminal trend of perpetrators throwing rocks in front of moving vehicles in an attempt to distract drivers, then attempting to rob them.
“We want persons to be cautious driving around Barbados. We have started investigations surrounding this activity,” Welch revealed. “We have also deployed resources to combat this trend,” he said. (BA)
