PHILIPSBURG:--- A dramatic daylight robbery at Value Jewelers located on Front Street on Tuesday has intensified community fears over a perceived surge in crime, prompting conflicting statements from business leaders and law enforcement. The daring heist, which saw suspects escaping on a Jet Ski, occurred just hours after police addressed public safety concerns, highlighting a tense atmosphere on the island.
The robbery took place shortly after noon. According to initial reports, two individuals targeted the jewelry store before making a bold getaway to Cape Bay Beach, where they fled by sea on a Jet Ski. Police responded quickly, detaining several people in the area for questioning. While bystanders reported that the suspects were apprehended, Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the force was actively investigating and would provide confirmed details later.
This latest incident has amplified anxieties within the local business community, particularly among members of the Island Merchants Association (IMA). Earlier, the IMA had issued an urgent public safety notice following what it described as a "concerning increase in criminal activity," including a series of daily home invasions. IMA President Sunny Khatnani called on residents and business owners to move high-value items like cash and jewelry to secure off-site locations, such as safety deposit boxes.
The association also issued a specific directive for jewelers and their vendors, instructing them to cease using personal vehicles for transporting valuable goods. Instead, they were advised to use professional armored transport services to mitigate the risk of theft during transit.
In response to the IMA's alert, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) issued a statement strongly refuting the claim of "daily home invasions." The police emphasized that such characterizations were not supported by official crime statistics and risked spreading unnecessary fear and misinformation. KPSM reassured the public that it has been conducting strategic operations over the past weeks, resulting in the arrest of multiple suspects involved in armed robberies and other serious offenses.
The police force stressed its commitment to public safety and its ongoing partnership with the community, but requested that organizations ensure public statements are factually accurate to avoid causing undue alarm.
Despite these assurances, the brazen nature of the Value Jewelers robbery has left many residents and merchants on edge. The incident, following so closely on the heels of the public warnings and police response, underscores the significant challenge facing the island as it grapples with both the reality of crime and the community's growing perception of insecurity. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the community waits anxiously for answers and a restoration of safety.