FREDERIKSTED — Police are investigating who had the knowledge and wherewithal to steal a safe with almost $40,000 in cash in it from the Department of Agriculture in Lower Love late last month.
A third-degree burglary was reported at the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture offices in Estate Lower Love at 7:46 a.m. on January 28, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The safe contained at least $39,000 in vendor payments for the upcoming 2020 Agriculture and Food Fair sponsored annually by the DOA, according to Agriculture Commissioner Terrence “Positive” Nelson.
Employees of the Department of Agriculture arrived at the location to find that a window at the Administrative building was damaged, according to a preliminary VIPD report.
“The building was inspected by employees, and they found that a safe containing cash and checks was removed from the building, as well as other items,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said. “The scene was processed by VIPD Forensic Unit detectives for items of evidentiary value.”
This burglary is currently under active investigation.
The VIPD and the Department of Agriculture are asking members of the community who may have information that will lead to finding the perpetrators of this act to call 911, the Crime Tip Line at (340) 778-4950, or the paying anonymous tip line Crime Stoppers USVI at 1(800) 222-8477 (TIPS).