19 reported robberies so far this summer

by Nick Delgado

Guam - With the island reporting more robberies in the last few months than it did all of last year, the Guam Police Department is putting out a plea for the public's help. Robberies are on the rise and catching those responsible is priority number one for GPD.

"When you have 19 robberies in a period of two or three months, it's always a concern when there is a possibility people can get hurt especially when they have firearms," said chief of police Fred Bordallo. "Out of the number of robberies reported this summer so far, eight arrests have been made all of which police report are armed robberies. Police also believe these crimes being committed are a result of drug activity."

"We want to go after any of these illegal drug activity to illegal gambling or any knowledge of robberies we need the help of the community, too."

Aside from drugs, Bordallo also believes the increase in robberies is also linked to the island's current economic situation. "With the economic outlook people are pressured when they do not have a job and are struggling and think the quickest solution is to go and steal," he said.

To combat the growing problem, GPD formed a Robbery Task Force several weeks ago to investigate the unsolved robbery cases and to investigate whether any of the robberies are linked. The community is asked to call Guam Crimestoppers at 477-HELP (4357) with any information that could help close the remaining cases that are still under investigation.