ComPol Praises Residents Who Captured Suspected Thieves

Chester Williams

On Thursday, we told you of the community effort in San Pablo Village, Orange Walk that led to the detention of two suspected thieves. The two men reportedly robbed Jay’s Mini Mart after pretending to be customers. One of them attacked a customer with a knife, while the other grabbed over a thousand dollars and a couple of beers. They then tried to escape but the villagers were fast and they quickly captured them. When asked about it today, Police Commissioner Chester Williams, praised the efforts of the residents.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I wouldn’t call is vigilante justice. I would call it a situation where the community acts to ensure that those who violate the community are caught. We are grateful for what took place in San Pablo. I think we need to see more of that in other areas. Thief goes in and they come in to catch you and they hand you over to the police. If it is that he got or they got a few blows in the process of being apprehended then they look for that.”

Hipolito Novelo

“You would say that community residents should also be cautious in approaching these criminals?”

Chester Williams

“Certainly, certainly. Yes, but if they have the upper hand and as they did in San Pablo, then we welcome it.”