Police seek assistance in PAREL investigation
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Monday, July 4, at approximately 9:00am, an armed robbery took place at the SOL gas station located at Bobby’s Marina in Pointe Blanche.
In the attached pictures you can see the two culprits involved in this robbery.
The culprits held their victim at gunpoint and robbed him of an undisclosed sum of money. After the robbery they fled on a motorcycle in the direction of Sucker Garden Road.
If you can identify any of these two culprits and have any information about them and/or their whereabouts, or information about the motorcycle, immediately contact the Police Department section Special Unit Robberies at: 542-2222 extension 203, 204, 205 or 216.
Or call the anonymous tip line 9300. Any information given will be dealt with strict confidentiality.
Police issues public warning
The Police Department is informing the general public and mainly the business community, that an increase in armed robberies on the Dutch Side has been recorded recently.
This situation should not raise any alarm, however, it has raised some concerns. The police force is doing its utmost to investigate and arrest those responsible for these criminal acts.
Anyone who may have information regarding any crime or criminal activity should contact the Police Department immediately at: 542-2222, 911 or the anonymous tip line 9300.
The following tips can help you from becoming a victim of robbery:
- Avoid dark areas, dark areas form a risk because most robbers tend to rob people in dark areas;
- Don’t go to the ATM during dark hours. Plan ahead and get your cash during safer times;
- Avoid carrying a lot of cash and other valuables;
- Trust your instincts, if you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible;
- Take a bus/taxi instead of walking home. If you have to walk, take some company;
- Be very alert and observant;
- Keep your money close to you, preferably not in a purse that hangs free from your hand;
- Don’t advertise; don’t wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry; Install apps like “find my phone” or “find my mobile” on your Smartphone;
- Make a note of the unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification) number of your cell phone. If it gets stolen, the police will be able to search in databases.
If, in spite of the abovementioned tips, a robbery does take place, here are some things you can do to make it easier for police to catch the robber:
- Stay calm;
- Don’t be a hero, your life is worth more than your money;
- Take a good look at the robber. Make mental notes about the robber. Give the dispatcher all the details you can remember about the robber(s), so police patrols on the street can start an investigation immediately;
- Note the direction of the robber when they leave;
- Try to get a description of the vehicle, if the robber uses one;
- Call 911 as soon as possible;
- If there are any witnesses, ask them to remain with you until the police arrive. If they can’t, get their name, address and phone number;
- Go to the nearest police station to file a report;
- Call the emergency number of your Credit Card Company or bank. They can freeze your credit;
- Log on to your “find my phone” service, try to locate the phone and tell the police about your findings.
