Law enforcement authorities in Barbados are sounding an urgent public alert following a sharp uptick in two distinct types of criminal activity: theft of construction machinery and robberies targeting people wearing gold jewellery. The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) issued a formal crime prevention advisory on Monday calling on construction contractors and everyday citizens to adopt heightened security measures to avoid falling victim to these trends.
According to the police statement, construction equipment has emerged as an increasingly attractive target for thieves in recent weeks. TBPS is urging all contractors operating across the island to implement enhanced protocols for securing their heavy machinery, including adding reinforced locks, installing tracking devices, and parking equipment in well-lit, gated areas when job sites are unattended. These steps are designed to reduce vulnerability to break-ins and outright theft that can cost construction firms thousands of dollars in losses and delay ongoing infrastructure projects.
In addition to the rise in construction equipment theft, police have also documented a clear increase in crimes against individuals over gold jewellery. The advisory warned members of the public against displaying large quantities of gold jewellery when out in public spaces, as these visible valuable items make people prime targets for street robbery and snatching. TBPS also cautioned residents who arrange private meetings to buy or sell gold secondhand that they too are at elevated risk of becoming targets for criminal violence or theft during these transactions.
The police service took the opportunity to remind the public that both the theft of property and the possession of knowingly stolen goods are serious criminal offenses under Barbados law. Any person convicted of these crimes can face significant legal penalties including prosecution and custodial sentences.
To help curb the rising trend of these crimes, TBPS is calling on anyone with information about individuals involved in construction equipment theft, gold jewellery robberies, or the trade of stolen property to come forward anonymously or confidentially with details. Tipsters can reach the Criminal Investigations Department directly at two dedicated phone lines: 430-7189 or 430-7190. They can also submit anonymous information through the regional Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477, or contact the emergency police line at 211 if an active crime is in progress.