The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is urging members of the public to exercise heightened caution when accepting rides from unknown individuals.
This advisory follows a report of a serious assault on a female victim on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Superintendent Dean Holden, responsible for Crime, Safeguarding, Public Protection, and Intelligence, stated: “At about midday on November 23, the victim entered what she believed to be a jitney on Black Crow Road in Kew Town. Tragically, she later suffered a serious assault, resulting in her losing consciousness. She was found with severe injuries in the Granny Hill area of Five Cays.
“While the motive for the attack remains unclear, it may have been sexually motivated. Detectives are diligently working to piece together the sequence of events. The victim is currently receiving medical care and support from specially trained officers.
“The RT&CIPF strongly warns against using unlicensed jitneys, which can pose serious risks to personal safety. We are appealing to the public for any information that could assist this investigation. The apparent jitney involved is described as a small black car carrying two males on a journey from Black Crow Road in Kew Town to Granny Hill in Five Cays, occurring over a 2-3 hour period.”
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
The RT&CIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information that may assist this investigation.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Safety Tips
* Before entering a vehicle, look at the license plate or take a photo of the number plate. Write it on your phone as soon as you get in so you don’t forget it.
*Mentally note the vehicle’s colour and make. Observe the driver and other passengers.
* If you notice you’re heading off-course, you can message family and friends with the license plate number. If it becomes an emergency, call 911, giving them the license plate number, make, model, and direction you are heading.
*Seating arrangement – If you are the only passenger in the vehicle, sit in the backseat. Logically, you have a view of the driver and remove yourself from the possibility of any inappropriate gropes, etc. The backseat passenger side is usually best, as you’ve placed yourself at the furthest point from the driver.
*Concentrate on the road. Avoid playing games on your phone and becoming distracted. *Ensure you have enough data and that your phone is charged at least 50 per cent. If you notice the driver going off route, call someone on your phone so the driver knows you’re in contact with someone.