WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao police warned yesterday during a special press conference that the number of robberies has increased sharply on the island after the lockdown ended some three months ago.
These are burglaries, but a striking number of business owners have been robbed in their own homes in the recent period. This often involves armed and masked men who enter at night and force the residents to hand over money and other items.
According to the police, a total of 171 robberies have been committed this year. 62 people were arrested for this. During the lockdown period in March, April and early May, crime rates were very low. There was also a curfew during that period.
According to the police, there was already an increase in the number of robberies and burglaries in 2019. The socio-economic situation in Curaçao and the crisis in Venezuela were cited as the reason. It is now pointed out that many people lost their jobs due to the corona crisis.
The police on the island will give more tips on how people can prevent robbery. There will also be more police cars patrolling in certain areas.