After further investigations into yesterday’s armed robbery at Western Union in JQ Rodney Bay Mall, investigators have discovered that way more money was stolen than the initial estimate.

On responding to the report, investigators were told that approximately $50,000 was stolen, but after the business did a thorough check it was revealed that  a total of $61,000 was missing after the perpetrator left.

Police said in a press release that on Monday, December 7, 2015, at about 5:45 p.m., a man “known by features” entered the business place brandishing a firearm at two employees and demanding cash.

A janitor, who walked in on the robbery, was reportedly threatened by the gunman, a reliable source told St. Lucia News Online.

He walked away “calmly” after getting the money, a source said. The gunman was wearing a sunglasses and cap.

The camera system in the business place was not operational at the time of the robbery, but police sources said investigators are reviewing other camera footage in the Mall.

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A disgruntled father is seeking justice for his 21-year-old son who was brutally stabbed last month in Bocage, by another male who has since been released on bail.

Frank Vautroque told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that his son, Frank Vautroque Junior, sustained two stab wounds to his stomach causing one of his lungs to puncture.

The senior Vautroque related that the incident took place on November 14, 2015 at around 12:39 p.m.

The father of three said his son who is still hospitalized and was due to undergo an emergency thoracotomy surgery today, was unable to do so because of his low blood count and low blood pressure.

Vautroque Junior

Vautroque Junior was awaken by a police officer and served a summons on his hospital bed at Victoria Hospital at 6 a.m. today, (Dec.8) to attend court on December 10.

His father said he is upset with the way the police handled the matter, stating that it could have been be done at a later time or at least they should have inquired about his condition before summonsing him to court.

Vautroque Senior told SNO: “The officer told my son that since you are here and you can’t come to court, tell your father, to come to the court to tell the Magistrate that you are hospitalized.”

He continued: “The police have shown no empathy, no sense of reasoning. He has a punctured lung- a life-threatening injury and that is how you are going to treat him?”

The man said he finds it ridiculous, explaining that the alleged perpetrator was released on $7,000 bail, three days after the stabbing incident. He also stated that the officer and the alleged perpetrator are family.

Senior Vautroque was told by the police that his son was the aggressor in the incident, and the alleged perpetrator claims that he had a knife in his possession.

Relatives have however come to the defense of Vautroque Junior who they claim would never carry a weapon with him, something that is still open for debate.

Asked if he sought any advice from the police, Vautroque told SNO that he made countless calls to the police only to get a “stumbling block.”

But even worse Vautroque said the same man who allegedly stabbed his son, also wounded one of his other son’s in an incident sometime last year.

“The funny thing about it is the police who had the previous case, made a mess out of it and his superiors admitted to my child’s mother that any matter he has he just messes it up. Yet they never found it fitting to discipline him. I have names I could disclose,” he revealed.

Vautroque Junior spent some four days in hospital when he was first admitted. He was subsequently discharged and soon after complained about feeling pain in his stomach.

His father took him to a private medical doctor, when the issue was identified and he was referred to the hospital for surgery. He has been re-admitted to Victoria Hospital for the past 11 days.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Tuesday, December 8, 2015 a post mortem was conducted on the body of 26 year old, Kesam Manalick Anthony of Barre Denis, Castries.

The examination revealed that Anthony died as a result of asphyxia (a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death) secondary to hanging.

No foul play has been suspected.

This is the sixth registered suicide for the year 2015.

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A female employee of Western Union is being questioned by police in relation to Monday’s robbery at the international money transfer agency’s Rodney Bay branch.

Reports are that the employee was detained by police on Tuesday evening and remains in police custody.

She has not been charged for the crime, a senior police told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (Dec.9).

Investigators said they are looking at all leads, including the possibility that it might have been an inside job.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the armed bandit escaped with $61 000 in cash during the heist.

He walked away “calmly” after getting the money, a source said. The gunman was wearing a sunglasses and cap.

The camera system in the business place was not operational at the time of the robbery, but police sources said investigators are reviewing other camera footage in the Mall.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, December 4, 2015 about 12:01 a.m. police conducted an operation at a hotel situated in the North of the island.

During the operation, a search conducted in the room of Reglio Jesus Patino Reyes, a Venezuelan national, revealed the sum of USD$7,610.00, EURO €17,950.00, Bolivars VEF 4,020.00 , six dollars in Chinese currency (CNY 6) and EC$5.00.

Reyes was taken to the Victoria Hospital where he was given a laxative resulting in the expulsion of thirty one (31) rolls of cash equivalent to EURO €14,000.00.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2015 police formally charged Reyes for the offence of Money Laundering.

He made an appearance before the First District Court on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 where the matter was adjourned to January 14, 2016.

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Police are investigating a chopping incident that occurred in Barre Denis this evening, Dec. 9, 2015.

Reports are that at around 6 p.m., the victim, Parry St. Rose, believed to be in his 30’s, sustained a laceration to one of his arms. An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the wound was so severe that his arm was being held together “by a piece of skin”.

The suspect is reported to have turned himself into the police.

SNO understands that the altercation stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the two men. More details later.

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Blood stains seen on the floor of the woman’s apartment.

A woman who is believed to be in her late 40’s, was nearly raped this morning by an unknown man, who entered her home and held a knife to her throat.

Reports are that the an unidentified male entered the woman’s Marisule home at about 3 a.m. and attempted to rape her, sources told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

A neighbour told SNO that he heard someone crying out but he wasn’t sure where it was coming from. He said upon inquiring, he saw a male running out of the yard and heard loud screams.

“He was bareback. I figured that he came from a neighbour’s house, because there are two other tenants in the yard. Upon going outside I realized that my neighbour was bleeding from her throat. She also had a cut on her finger,” he told SNO.

The man said the alleged victim explained to persons that the unidentified male held a knife to her throat, which caused her to sustain a cut to her neck.

According to him, the woman said she is not sure how her attacker was able to enter her home, stating that her doors were properly locked.

The alleged perpetrator also went away with some of the woman’s cash, which was taken from her bedroom.

The woman claims that she was not able to identify her attacker, because the place was dark.

She is said to be hospitalised.

When contacted, the police said they could not confirm whether they received a report of the incident.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, December 9, 2015 a post mortem was conducted on the body of an unidentified male found at Vieux Fort Industrial Estate on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

The examination revealed that he died as a result of a lung infection. The examination also revealed that the individual appears to be about sixty (60) years old and had been dead for three days prior to being found.

No foul pay has been suspected and the individual remains unidentified.

Investigations continue into this matter.

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Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Benjamin Collymore of Mongiraud, Gros-Islet for the attempted murder of Uriah Farrel of Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.

According to a police press statement, on Saturday, November 7, 2015 about 9:20 p.m. Uriah Farrel sustained a single gunshot wound to the waist area whilst at Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.

Collymore is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information are asked to contact the nearest police station.

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St. Lucia police during a patrol. * Photo credit: Telesurv.

PRESS RELEASE – On Thursday, December 10, 2015 about 5:00 p.m. police conducted an operation in the New Village and Conway areas in the city of Castries.

As a result of the operation, police discovered nineteen (19) foil wraps of what appeared to be crack/cocaine, a bag containing two (2) pounds of green plant material suspected to be marijuana and thirty six (36) pairs of scissors and nine (9) knives.

A total of twenty seven (27) marijuana plants were also uprooted and destroyed in the Conway area.

Multiple suspects were arrested for various offences.

This operation was part of a strategic plan implemented by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for the Christmas season.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to assure the public, that it is committed to maintaining law and order during this festive season.

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Pm Anthony… EU says due process must be followed according to local criminal laws.

Less than three weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Victoria Clarke-Charles revealed during a press conference that the majority of the IMPACS Report did not contain “the evidentiary material” admissible in accordance with local laws, the European Union has released its own statement on the report, calling on “all those responsible to ensure due process according to the St. Lucia criminal law system”.

Below is the full EU statement obtained exclusively by St. Lucia News Online:

Local EU Statement on St Lucia

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission responsible for St. Lucia, following their meeting in Barbados of 1 December 2015:

“The EU reiterates its support and strong commitment to the development of St Lucia recognizing the challenges it faces as a small and vulnerable island state. Substantive support has been provided by the EU and its Member States in various areas, from health, trade, agriculture to infrastructure, and much progress has been made.

Successful growth and development include effective legal systems and criminal justice. In this context, the public statement on 8 March 2015 by the Honourable Prime Minister Kenny Anthony on the IMPACS report is very important. Following this statement, due process must be followed. Without due process, there would be no effective criminal justice system.

The EU and it Member States call on those responsible to ensure due process according to the St Lucia criminal law system.

Effective judicial systems are critical for a country’s Human Rights record. With much progress achieved on other fronts, it would be regrettable if this issue would undermine St Lucia’s reputation in the international community. It is in the full interest of all St Lucians, and of EU visitors and investors, to see this situation move forward.

The EU and its Member States stand ready to support the country’s endeavours in this critical area, including with assistance under the 11th EDF (European Development Fund) Regional Indicative Program, which has 44 million EUR assigned to programs fighting crime and security.”

CLICK HERE FOR DPP’S FULL STATEMENT 

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL STORY ON IMPACS REPORT BY PM ANTHONY

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Two gunmen robbed the newly-opened KFC branch in Choc this morning, Dec. 14, 2015 of about $5,000, police sources have confirmed.

Reports are that at about 8 a.m., two men held a supervisor at gunpoint, forcing the individual to open a safe inside the establishment.

No one was hurt.

This incident follows last week’s robbery of the Rodney Bay Western Union branch in which $61,000 was taken by one armed bandit.

Police questioned the employees who were held up during the robbery, but no one was charged in connection with this incident.

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The body of an elderly livestock farmer known so far as Cyrus, was discovered in a ravine in Barre Denis, Castries after 3 p.m. today, Dec. 14, 2015.

Residents told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Cyrus, who lived alone and is originally from Choiseul, was missing since last Friday.

“His family…calling from Guadeloupe and said since Friday they’ve been calling him and they not getting through to him, and so we know he has animals, cows, pigs, goats, so we went in the ravine and check for him and we found him in the ravine,” one resident said.

Another resident: “…The family members were calling him on Friday and they were not getting him so then they called a neighbour. The neighbour said that they went down to see, but the house have been dark for three days now so they went looking for him.”

The resident added that a family member – brother-in-law – searched an area where Cyrus normally does his gardening when the body was discovered.

An eyewitness told SNO that the body has bruises on the face and arms.

A post mortem will reveal the cause of death. Police are investigating.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at KFC in Choc, Castries.

On Monday, December 14, 2015 about 7:45 a.m. two masked men accosted two employees of KFC who were opening the said business place.

The perpetrators then forced the employees into the building demanding cash.

They (perpetrators) then left with the sum of EC$5,000.00 and one (1) Blu-Studio 6.0 smartphone.

Investigations continue into this matter.

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PRESS RELEASE – If you own a business, particularly one that deals in cash, there is a good chance that one day it may be robbed.  

You, your employees and possibly your customers could be faced with a very dangerous situation during a robbery.

We cannot list specific measures that will protect you from every threatening situation, which may arise.

Instead, we hope to teach you how to think “Crime Prevention” in day-to-day living

Robbery Prevention Tips for Businesses

• Always have two or more employees open and close the business accompanied by a security guard.
• Use surveillance cameras behind the cash register and facing out to the front of the counter.
• Also, install surveillance cameras in areas where a person could hide.
• Keep the outside doors in backrooms locked when not in use.
• Keep low cash balance in the cash registers.
• Make regular bank deposits of excess money.
• Vary the times and routes used to go to the bank to make deposits.
• Avoid sending one person to the bank with a deposit.
• Do not carry the deposit openly in a deposit bag.
• Avoid hanging signs or putting displays on windows or around the sales counter that will obstruct the view of the register.
• In areas that are blocked by shelving, walls or other obstructions, hang conclave (curved) mirrors.
• Do careful reference checks on employees that are hired.
• Have policies in place concerning employees’ friends or relatives hanging around the business.
• Customers should be greeted when they enter the business and train employees to make eye contact and engage with the customers. An alert staff can quickly deter a would-be robber.
• Train employees not to take risks, but to call the police if they see suspicious people inside or lurking outside of the business.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force encourages business owners to upgrade their security level, especially during this festive season.

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Benjamin Collymore

PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, December 11, 2015 Benjamin Collymore of Mongiraud, Gros-Islet turned himself into police custody.

Collymore made an appearance before the First District Court on a formal charge of Attempted Murder on Tuesday December 15, 2015.

He was granted bail in the sum of EC$12,000.00 or suitable surety. He was also ordered to surrender all travel documents and must report to the Rodney Bay Police Station every Monday and Friday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00p.m.

The case was adjourned to February 12, 2016.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 a Warrant of Arrest in the First Instance was issued for Collymore for the Attempted Murder of Uriah Farrel of Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.

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In light of the increase theft of animals during the Christmas season, the Praedial Larceny Unit is urging persons not to purchase agriculture produce from non-farmers.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 15, the unit said butchers, vendors, purchasers and retailers should be reminded that the theft of agricultural produce continues to be a major problem for farmers.

They have also advised butchers to be extra cautious when purchasing animals from the slaughter house.

“When purchasing animals from any individual please ensure that the seller gives you a receipt for your purchase as well as a telephone number which is in service,” the unit said in a press statement.

Persons are also being reminded that praedial larceny is a criminal offense and is punishable by law and if convicted, individuals can face up to 2 years behind bar or fined no more than $10,000.

Persons can report any suspected cases of praedial larceny by calling 454-1708 0r 453-8483 or contact the nearest police station.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Peter Felix also known as “Cyrus” of Barre Denis, Castries.

The body of Felix was discovered lying face down in a ravine in Barre Denis, Castries on Monday, December 14, 2015 about 3:15 p.m.

He was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

A post mortem is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, 2015.

CLICK LINK FOR ORIGINAL STORY

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18. PROVISIONS WITH REGARD TO SLAUGHTER

(1) A person shall not slaughter or cause to be slaughtered in any place any bull, cow, ox, steer, heifer, calf, ram, ewe, sheep, lamb, goat or kid or any swine without first having obtained from a justice of the peace, a police officer, a rural constable or designated officer a permit in Form I of the Schedule.

(2) A person who slaughters or causes to be slaughtered in any place any bull, cow, ox, steer, heifer, calf, ram, ewe, sheep, lamb, goat or kid or any swine is bound to keep the skin of such animal for 6 days after such animal is slaughtered.

(3) A person slaughtering or causing to be slaughtered in any place any such animal mentioned in this section shall be bound within the said 6 days to produce the skin of such animal to any police officer, rural constable or designated officer who shall request to see the same.

(4) A person who slaughters or causes to be slaughtered in any place, any bull, cow, ox, steer, heifer, calf, ram, ewe, sheep, lamb, goat or kid or any swine—

(a) without having obtained such permit;

(b) fails or neglects to produce such permit relating to such animal to any police officer, rural constable or designated officer who may request to see the same;

(c) fails or neglects to keep, or cause to be kept the skin of such animal; or

(d) fails or neglects to produce the skin relating to any such animal to any police officer, rural constable, or designated officer, who may request to see the same,

commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $ 250. (Substituted by Act 15 of 1977)

19. PROHIBITIONS ON SLAUGHTER

A person whether a licensed butcher or not who slaughters or causes to be slaughtered in any place—

(a) any cow or heifer without the permission of designated officer; or

(b) any animal which is known to be or appears to be in calf, in lamb, in kid, or in pig,

is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $250. (Substituted by Act 15 of 1977)

 “We, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage the citizenry to read and study the laws which governs our society. Never forget that knowledge is power”.

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