Police nabbed thief all thanks to civic-minded citizens

St. Kitts Nevis: A man who picked a tourist’s pocket was captured and prosecuted by the police all thanks to the efforts of a number of civic-minded individuals, according to a report in The St. Kitts Nevis Observer.

Eustace “Junie” Edwards of Lower Project, Saddlers, will go before the Court for sentencing today after he pled guilty to stealing US$15 from the pocket of a visitor to the island last Friday.

Police report confirmed that on March 2 at about 12:30hrs, a tourist was at the Amina Craft Market at Port Zante, having just purchased some items from a local vendor. She received US$15 in change and placed it in her pocket when Edwards put his hand into the tourist’s pocket and pulled out the money, then set off running.

The Observer reported that several persons witnessed the theft and immediately gave chase, also summoning the Criminal Investigation Department who immediately responded. Based on the information provided by the public, the CID officers joined in the chase and apprehended Edwards in the vicinity of Irishtown and the $15 was recovered from Edwards.

The Force expressed “sincere thanks” to the public for their assistance.

The Observer said that a family friend of Edwards stated that the man is “mentally ill” and has been for many years.