The government and Crime Stoppers are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders involved in the recent spate of armed robberies on Grand Cayman.
Premier Wayne Panton, Leader of the Opposition Roy McTaggart and Governor Martyn Roper, on Friday issued a joint statement, following a meeting in which Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne briefed Cabinet and Members of Parliament on the current spike in robberies.
Byrne informed them that there had been 32 armed robberies, either with a firearm or a bladed weapon, reported to the RCIPS since August.
These included robberies of retail and commercial stores and of individuals, as well as two instances linked to illegal gambling.
Crime Stoppers is offering an award of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers, while government has pledged an additional $75,000 to be added to the reward to encourage people to help the authorities “bring the perpetrators to justice”.
The RCIPS says it has identified a loosely associated group of robbery suspects, who often operate in small groups of four or fewer.
To try to combat the crimes, police say they have “deployed additional resources, both overtly and covertly, including additional officers with firearms to protect the community and arrest those responsible for the robberies”.
The joint statement noted, “During what is traditionally one of the most pleasant times of year, we know there has been public concern with the recent spike in reported robberies through the community. We wish to assure the public that we, along with Members of Cabinet, and all MPs, share your concern. These robberies do not align with our strong Caymanian values of honesty, work ethic and caring for our neighbours.”
It said the RCIPS had “a proven track record of confronting and reducing serious crime and as a country, we must support the brave men and women of the RCIPS who risk their lives to keep us safe”.
The statement reiterated previous calls from senior police officers for members of the community to come forward with information to help the RCIPS tackle the crime spree, saying that “community engagement is necessary to identify and apprehend the criminals involved”.
It added, “The police need our support to keep our businesses, homes and families safe. There are people in the community who know the identity of these criminals. If you do, you have a duty to your country and your community to share the information you know.”
The government, in the statement, said it had “zero tolerance towards crime” and will work with the RCIPS to “prevent further escalation of any activity that incites fear and anguish in our communities”.
The statement continued, “Again, we implore everyone to cooperate with the police, and proactively offer any information that could assist in ongoing investigations. We deserve to enjoy the holiday season, including shopping for gifts for our loved ones, without the fear of being a victim of crime.”
In a message to the robbers, the statement said, “Finally, to the offenders of these crimes – we urge you to consider the consequences of your actions. Our prisons are filled with persons who thought they would never be caught for their acts.
“Do not mistake short-term gains from these horrible and nefarious activities for success. Justice will be served and the penalties will indeed be appropriate for the level of distress and harm being caused to the citizens of our community.”
Police plan to hold a press conference on Monday about the robberies.
Anyone with information on the recent crime spree is urged to contacting the RCIPS using its online ‘submit a tip’ form, which can be done anonymously; or by calling the RCIPS confidential tipline at 949-7777 where callers can leave an anonymous voicemail. People can also submit tips to Cayman Crime Stoppers on the website caymancrimestoppers.com and it will be shared with the RCIPS without identifying the source.
Listen to the governor’s full audio message below:
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