Previous Story
Most burglaries committed by juveniles
|
Posted on Feb 01 2000
Amid the recent spate of burglary incidents on the island, the Department of Public Safety commends the community in providing the police valuable information which led to the arrest of several suspects.
So far, DPS has found that a huge number of burglary cases are committed by juveniles, according to Commissioner Charles W. Ingram.
“What we have so far found is that several burglary incidents are committed by the same group,” he said. While he refused to provide more details on the investigation being conducted, Mr. Ingram said the police has been continuously following up leads mostly given by members of the community.
DPS has fielded the recent graduates on patrol in the community as part of the federal-funded program Community-Oriented Policing Service. The increase in burglary incidents on the island led DPS to assign more police patrol in every village.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has earlier urged everyone to actively participate in the fight against crime — concerned individuals, young and old alike, ordinary people who are willing to take a stand and draw the line against crime in the community.
The increase in burglary and theft cases in Garapan, the island’s main tourist area has worried the Marianas Visitors Authority especially after the DPS had scaled down its operation in the area.
DPS no longer assigns policemen in the Koban in Garapan due to budgetary constraints and lack of manpower. But MVA has expressed apprehension that this may affect the image of the CNMI as a safe n destination to its visitors.
In improving the image of the tourist district, DPS has carried out raids in establishments believed to be fronts for prostitution. The governor has even asked government agencies to strengthen cooperation and efforts in clamping down on the proliferation of prostitution on the island.
The CNMI government has expressed concern on allegations that Asian women, mostly Chinese and Filipinos, are being smuggled into the Northern Marianas and sold as prostitutes to brothels.
