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Businesses need practical, lawful ways to protect their employees and premises as armed robberies leave some operators considering closure, the BVI Chamber of Commerce has warned.
In a press release issued today, October 12, amid an apparent increase in robberies targeting businesses, the Chamber called for urgent talks with the Government and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on security, crime prevention and access to non-lethal protective devices.
“We should not have to choose between keeping our businesses open and keeping our employees alive,” the Chamber stated.
The statement followed footage circulating on WhatsApp which, according to the Chamber, showed two armed assailants behaving aggressively and pressing firearms against employees at a prominent supermarket.
The Chamber said businesses had invested in cameras, reinforced doors, controlled entry and cash management procedures, but these measures could not guarantee employees’ safety when armed individuals entered.
Many small businesses, it added, could not afford armed security or round-the-clock protection.
“Some business owners are now telling the Chamber that they are considering closing their doors altogether,” it said.
The Chamber called for a review of access to non-lethal protective devices, including projectile-based electronic incapacitation devices, subject to licensing, training, screening and oversight.
It also requested a transparent discussion about the firearm licensing process and whether lawful provisions could address demonstrable security risks faced by business operators. Any changes, it said, should be carefully regulated and developed with the Police, Government and wider community.
The Chamber reported that some frustrated and fearful operators had contemplated obtaining illegal firearms, but stressed that it “vehemently opposes the possession or use of illegal firearms”.
For immediate prevention, it recommended safely removing excess cash at irregular intervals, controlling entry during later operating hours, maintaining surveillance and exterior lighting, and limiting employees’ isolated movements late at night. Businesses should also establish robbery-response procedures that prioritise human life over cash or property.
However, the Chamber acknowledged that security investments increase costs, while restricted entry can affect customer traffic.
It also expressed concern that some robberies may go unreported because operators fear publicity could cause customers to view their establishments as unsafe. Accounts of patrons being targeted for jewellery, watches and cash at bars and other establishments, particularly late at night, require further investigation, it added.
While recognising the RVIPF’s efforts to remove illegal firearms, the Chamber called for stronger cooperation between businesses and law enforcement and encouraged operators to continue reporting crime.
The organisation said it stood ready to work with the authorities on solutions to restore confidence and make businesses safer.
In a press release issued today, October 12, amid an apparent increase in robberies targeting businesses, the Chamber called for urgent talks with the Government and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on security, crime prevention and access to non-lethal protective devices.
“We should not have to choose between keeping our businesses open and keeping our employees alive,” the Chamber stated.
The statement followed footage circulating on WhatsApp which, according to the Chamber, showed two armed assailants behaving aggressively and pressing firearms against employees at a prominent supermarket.
The Chamber said businesses had invested in cameras, reinforced doors, controlled entry and cash management procedures, but these measures could not guarantee employees’ safety when armed individuals entered.
Many small businesses, it added, could not afford armed security or round-the-clock protection.
“Some business owners are now telling the Chamber that they are considering closing their doors altogether,” it said.
The Chamber called for a review of access to non-lethal protective devices, including projectile-based electronic incapacitation devices, subject to licensing, training, screening and oversight.
It also requested a transparent discussion about the firearm licensing process and whether lawful provisions could address demonstrable security risks faced by business operators. Any changes, it said, should be carefully regulated and developed with the Police, Government and wider community.
The Chamber reported that some frustrated and fearful operators had contemplated obtaining illegal firearms, but stressed that it “vehemently opposes the possession or use of illegal firearms”.
For immediate prevention, it recommended safely removing excess cash at irregular intervals, controlling entry during later operating hours, maintaining surveillance and exterior lighting, and limiting employees’ isolated movements late at night. Businesses should also establish robbery-response procedures that prioritise human life over cash or property.
However, the Chamber acknowledged that security investments increase costs, while restricted entry can affect customer traffic.
It also expressed concern that some robberies may go unreported because operators fear publicity could cause customers to view their establishments as unsafe. Accounts of patrons being targeted for jewellery, watches and cash at bars and other establishments, particularly late at night, require further investigation, it added.
While recognising the RVIPF’s efforts to remove illegal firearms, the Chamber called for stronger cooperation between businesses and law enforcement and encouraged operators to continue reporting crime.
The organisation said it stood ready to work with the authorities on solutions to restore confidence and make businesses safer.
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