By EARYEL BOWLEG
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN in New Providence was sexually assaulted on Tuesday night during a home invasion in Coral Harbour.
Police said around 8pm, two men forced their way into a home and held a female resident at bay before robbing her of cash and personal items. One of the men sexually assaulted the female, before both men left the home and escaped in her grey 2008 Lexus IS-250 vehicle. This comes after a similar incident in January on Marshall Road, where two robbers forced their way into a home and robbed the residents of cash and personal items. One of the burglars sexually assaulted a woman in the home before they escaped in one of the victims’ black 2014 Ford F-150 truck. This was just one of a string of home invasions reported in recent weeks.
Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Superintendent Shanta Knowles said although police are alarmed, they do not know if these types of crime are becoming a trend. While affirming the force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of communities, she encouraged the public to be alert and vigilant.
“We have a job to do and we’re focused on doing just that – making our presence felt in the community. We will support all victims of crime….of course we will support those who were sexual assaulted,” she added.
“But we remind people to be cautious also to take precautions and not have valuables especially business places to keep large sums of cash and valuables on premises but instead and when making deposits to not have employees randomly make deposits but instead use the services of armed vehicles. Make random deposits not structured deposits where people maybe watching.”
Coral Harbour joins the list of quiet communities shaken up by recent robberies. The Tribune recently reported several complaints of burglaries in the gated communities of Palm Cay and Treasure Cove, which are in eastern New Providence. Supt Knowles noted that crime can happen anywhere and advised individuals to put in place security measures at home.
“Your location doesn’t necessarily make a difference, it’s continuing to be aware and to make your surroundings secure,” she said.
“I know a lot of people (are) not interested in putting up security bars and screens in their homes because sometimes it detracts from the beauty of the home, but it’s a safety measure and we encourage you to use them. We encourage these surveillance systems and to have them in operation and in use.
“Get to know your neighbours. Neighbours can share information. Neighbours can watch out for neighbours and that’s what we encourage. We are encouraging neighbours to be nosey and see who is going to the home next door. See who is not familiar with home next door. Make calls.”
Anyone with information on this latest incident or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS or the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991.
Comments
bahamianson 4 years, 9 months ago
the police force needs to do its job. because the police force does not do its job, citizens have to now invest funds plus VAT for bars for the entire house, security cameras, security monitoring, dogs and dog food,more lighting plus a stupid BEC bill plus VAT and the 15% increase. You can spend your entire salary on security. What about food plus VAT, health insurance and dental insurance plus VAT,car insurance plus VAT, stamp tax, duty plus VAT. this is ridiculous! the majority of people in this country need to tell politicians that we are not voting, just take the money , give it to your sweethearts , give the top positions to your friends , steal from the coffers and forget about the people. oh, don't forget to increase stamp tax, duty,departure tax , the police record fee,gun license and VAT while you are at it.
Sickened 4 years, 9 months ago
Once these people are found the police need to take them out of the system completely. Send them to the fabled city of Atlantis. A pair of cement shoes is a good mode of transportation.
Maryda614@aol.com 4 years, 9 months ago
You need potcakes, we have three potcakes, the noise they make when they get disturbed would scare the devil into not even trying to enter, no way to get near them to shoot them, they are all over the house. I would never be able to sleep at night without the dogs, they do take some work, but it is worth it, they love you and will defend you unconditionally, wish more people would take time to get to know the nature of dogs, they can be an invaluable friend just when you need it, through thick and thin. Please go to BHS and give a loving pup a chance to share your home, he will have your back at all times, take more than one, while one attacks the other gets him from the back, they won't back down.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 9 months ago
hmmm..I understand that in rape cases care is taken not to reveal the identity of the victim. Im wondering at the wisdom of revealing that the culprits got away in a 2008 grey Lexus. That car can't be too common. The dry cleaning attendant will recognize it. On the other hand because it's not common maybe someone saw the guys driving it... who knows
Farren 4 years, 9 months ago
...that country's criminal elements is mind-boggling! clearly bahamas police... government is incapable of running its own country; countless of its vile residents must be put to the death. the incompetencies of bahamas' government...legislators and its agencies is profoundly incomprehensible!👎 debilitating!
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