A brief update on crime matters was conducted by Inspector David Welch, Public Relations Officer for the Royal Barbados Police Force. He observed that incidents where passenger windows were left open or if Barbadians using ZR vans leave open windows, there are still situations where theft occurs via snatching through the open windows, and the inspector urged caution for motorists or Bajans on public transport.

Crimes related to both cellphones (especially Blackberries) and jewellery are still a humbug for officers where even cyclists appear to be the culprits, the Inspector related how 2010 when compared with this year for the same period, there has been a boost in such theft by 55%.

An arrest was also made for a “Pipe Gun” which was found a 19 year old Barbadian who is subsequently in custody, when one examines the weapon despite limited resources the firearm is still rather sophisticated. It created quite a stir when displayed. On Sunday 9th October 2011, 19 year old Shane Ramon Akyem Vaughan of Roxy Land, Water Hall Land, Eagle hall, St Michael – the St Michael resident was held by members of the CID in Garnett Street, Bridgetown.

This briefing took place just before a presentation of awards made to officers by Bertie Hinds, the Commissioner of Police (Ag) for meritorious work performed in the area of investigations and sport – the former being a search at 2:45 am on 7 October 2011 which led to the arrest of a perpetrator on 23 counts of Burglary in the City & for the “Seven Seas” Police Cricket Team securing the Sagicor Shield in Cricket .