V.I.P.D. Urges Vigilance Following Attempted Robbery Report By Assailants In Vehicle With Strobe Lights

The Virgin Islands Police Department is urging the community to be vigilant following a reported attempted robbery incident that involved a vehicle with strobe lights posing as an unmarked police vehicle.

The V.I.P.D. said it has been tracking online posts in which a St. Croix resident reported being followed by a white sedan which tried to stop her while flashing white strobe lights. The V.I.P.D. said it’s looking into the incident.

In light of the incident, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte said residents should pay attention when a vehicle with strobe lights is attempting to stop them, as a number of vehicles that are not part of law enforcement, but may have been part of rescue efforts following 2017 storms Hurricane Irma and Maria, were permitted to have certain strobe lights.

The strobe lights used for non-law enforcement personnel during the storms — including on WAPA vehicles, tow trucks and others — were of non-emergency colors, including white. Red and blue strobe lights are not allowed accept for police vehicles, ambulances and other first responder transport, including fire trucks.

“We thank the individual for making us aware of the incident and we ask the community to continue to be vigilant in reporting any and all suspicious activities by calling 911,” the V.I.P.D. said.