PHILIPSBURG:--- An alarming increase in criminal activity, including a recent string of daily home invasions, has prompted the Island Merchants Association (IMA) to issue an urgent public safety announcement. Following a meeting with the local police department, KPSM, the IMA is advising residents and business owners to take significant precautions to protect their property.
In a formal communication, IMA President Sunny Khatnani detailed the gravity of the situation, urging all residents to secure valuables, such as cash and jewelry, in off-site locations, like safety deposit boxes. The advisory suggests that homes are targeted, and this measure is intended to mitigate potential losses until the crime wave subsides.
The alert also included specific directives for jewelers and their vendors, instructing them to use professional armored transport services for all deliveries. This measure aims to reduce the risk of theft during transportation, as authorities have identified the movement of high-value goods as a significant vulnerability. The use of personal vehicles for such purposes is strongly discouraged.
Recent developments have raised concerns among community members regarding the effectiveness of current security measures. While law enforcement has not released official statistics on the recent crime spike, the IMA's public warning underscores the seriousness of the threat.
The association has emphasized its commitment to working closely with the police to address the crisis. Leaders are urging the public to exercise increased vigilance and are encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. The situation has highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and the community to restore safety and security on the island.