ST. CROIX — Business owners are grappling with financial losses, property damage, and lingering fear after a string of burglaries struck multiple Frederiksted establishments within a single night last week, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
While police continue to investigate the coordinated break-ins that targeted nine businesses last Thursday, some of those affected say the impact goes far beyond stolen cash — touching livelihoods, employees, and a sense of safety in the community.
For Sherishma Pennyfeather, owner of Aquaholic Beach Bar & Grill in La Grange, the reality of the burglary set in early in the morning. A call from a family member alerted her that something was wrong at the business after a passerby reported shattered windows. When she reviewed surveillance footage, she saw what appeared to be four intruders around 3 a.m., two of whom entered through the broken window.
“There was significant damage to the business because not only did they steal things, they actually damaged property inside of the business as well,” Pennyfeather said.
Even as repairs were completed within hours — thanks to what she described as an outpouring of community support — the emotional toll has been harder to shake.
“We are doing our best to operate under normal circumstances,” Pennyfeather said. “I think one of the biggest things is not trying to operate within fear. This is a community where I was born and raised, born and bred, and to have fear in the community where you’re supposed to feel safe in, it’s a weird thing.”
She also questioned how much more small business owners can realistically do to protect themselves.
“We can add more lighting and we do have cameras but at the same time, when you have a force that’s supposed to protect us and we don’t feel protected, I’m not sure how much more that we can do,” Pennyfeather said.
At Blue Bambou in Estate Plessen, owner Peter Clifford arrived to a similar scene — forced entry and missing cash. He said it looked like the thieves kicked in the door to his restaurant. He estimated that $800 in cash was stolen, with additional damage pushing total losses to roughly $2,500.
The break-in happened while the restaurant was closed, and no one was hurt. Still, the incident has forced Clifford to rethink security measures and invest in stronger doors and locks.
Despite the setback, Clifford expressed appreciation for the police response, noting that St. Croix Police Chief Uston Cornelius personally followed up with him after the incident.
The burglaries occurred at nine businesses within 24 hours, according to the VIPD. Police said the suspects were armed black males wearing black clothing who fled on foot.
Although no injuries were reported, business owners say the psychological impact is real — especially in a close-knit community where many feel personally connected.
Pennyfeather said the support from the community has been overwhelming, noting that everybody is empathizing with the business.
“This loss just does not only affect our business, but it’s a community situation, and community impact is there in terms of us feeling safe in our community and understanding what these types of situations do,” she said.
Both Pennyfeather and Clifford emphasized that small businesses remain vulnerable, particularly when operating with limited resources and few options for securing cash after hours.
As the investigation continues, Pennyfeather said she is focused on rebuilding — but also hoping for accountability.
“My hope is that these perpetrators are caught and there is some type of justice,” Pennyfeather said.
Police advised businesses to properly secure their establishments, to include increasing lighting and installing surveillance cameras.
Additionally, Cornelius encouraged businesses to refrain from leaving money on location. He asked for the community’s assistance in solving the burglaries.
“We continue to engage our community and ask ‘if you know something, say something,’” he said in a statement. “There are Police Officers tasked with handling these cases and in most instances awaiting small bits of information to close these burglaries. The Police Department cannot do it alone and we continue to urge our community to be our eyes and ears.”
In addition to Aquaholic Beach Bar & Grill and Blue Bambou, the other businesses burglarized last Thursday were Frontline in Estate Calquohoun; The Landing Beach Bar, Off the Wall, and Circle Bar in Cane Bay; Cravers Choice and Milani Customs in Upper Love, and JV Car Wash in Mt. Pleasant.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing that even small details could help close the cases. Anyone with information on these burglaries can contact 911, The Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.
