POLICE DISCOURAGING PERSONS FROM PURCHASING BUILDING MATERIALS FROM ILLEGITIMATE SOURCES

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 14, 2023 (RSCNPF): As the Police investigate a spate of breakings at construction sites, they are discouraging members of the public from purchasing building materials from illegitimate sources.

Superintendent James Francis heads the Crime Directorate within The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. He noted that creating a market for stolen items encouraged the perpetrators to continue the illegal activity.

“There has been a new crime trend where offenders are breaking into storage containers and also makeshift sheds on construction sites and stealing building materials and household items worth thousands of dollars. The general public is advised not to buy any building materials or household items from any individuals who do not possess the relevant business license to sell such items,” Superintendent Francis urged.

He reminded persons that being found with stolen goods in one’s possession, even if they were paid for, was a criminal offence.

The law states that “A person who receives any property knowing the same to have been stolen or obtained in any way under circumstances which amount to a felony or misdemeanour, commits an offence of the like degree (whether felony or misdemeanour) and on conviction thereof is liable— (a) in the case of felony, to imprisonment with hard labour for a term not exceeding ten years; (b) in the case of misdemeanour, to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding five years.”

Persons with information of anyone selling building materials suspected to be stolen or leading to the recovery of stolen items are asked to call the Criminal Investigations Department at 465-2241 or 662 7062.

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