St. Croix Under Siege: 10 Businesses Hit in 24-Hour Burglary Spree

St. Croix Sun Staff

FREDERIKSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a massive wave of burglaries that targeted nearly a dozen businesses across the Frederiksted district within a single day.

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, a group of armed black males dressed in all black launched a series of break-ins spanning from the North Shore to Upper Love. Police Chief Uston Cornelius is urging business owners to empty their cash drawers nightly and is calling on the community to provide the "small bits of information" needed to close these cases.

The Targeted Businesses

The spree affected a wide variety of establishments across several neighborhoods:

• Cane Bay / North Shore: The Landing Beach Bar, Off the Wall, and Circle Bar.

• Upper Love / La Grange: Cravers Choice, Milani Customs, and Aquaholic Beach Bar.

• Calquhoun / Mt. Pleasant / Plessen: Frontline, JV Car Wash, Blue Bambou.

Police Response & Safety Advice The suspects reportedly fled on foot after the crimes. District Chief Cornelius emphasized that the VIPD "cannot do it alone" and is asking residents to be the department's "eyes and ears".

Recommendations for Business Owners:

• Secure the Premises: Increase lighting and install surveillance cameras.

• Remove Incentives: Do not leave any money inside the business overnight.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.