OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND LANDS ADDRESSING UPSURGE OF BURGLARIES IN CAYMAN BRAC

From the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP, MP:

Dear Members of the Public,

Our sister island of Cayman Brac, has recently experienced an upsurge in burglaries in the community, specifically at the Cross Roads Baptist Church, Scott Development and the repeat burglary of the Star Island restaurant.  Cayman Brac is still the safest place to live in our islands, however, as a result of these recent occurrences the local community have been placed on high alert and have increased their levels of anxiety about their safety.

I am extremely concerned and saddened by this news. This matters deeply to me. It matters to our Government.

It is reassuring that these four incidents are actively being investigated by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).  I want to reassure everyone, and especially to my constituents in Cayman Brac, that I will remain in close communication with the Her Excellency and the Deputy Governor, who have responsibility for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.  To that end I have been advised that Air Operations and Crime Scene Investigation units from Grand Cayman, have joined the investigation in Cayman Brac to strengthen efforts and provide necessary expertise. The RCIPS reports that two men were arrested on the 25 April 2023, on suspicion of burglary in relation to the four recent burglaries reported in Cayman Brac. Upon their arrest, officers also conducted a search of the premises where the men were located, and recovered items suspected to have been stolen during one of the burglaries. 

Additionally, the RCIPS advises that anyone with information is encouraged to call 948-0331.  Alternatively, anonymous tips may be submitted through our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or submit a tip via their website found at www.rcips.ky .

The crucial duty of our Government is to make our communities safer. Therefore, in response to the unfortunate, increased level of crime in the Brac, committed by a small number of individuals, RCIPS staffing in Cayman Brac has increased and strengthened since last year.  Staffing now includes: 1 Chief Inspector, 2 Sergeants, 9 Constables, 1 civilian staff member and 1 Community Safety Officer (CSO). I will continue to advocate for the provision of additional support and resources to the Sister Islands to combat all illicit and illegal activity.

I strongly encourage anyone who may have a tip to please share it with the RCIPS. Remember if “You see something, say something”. It is our social, moral and collective responsibility to keep our beloved islands safe.  We are one Cayman Islands.