L-R: Renaldo Clarke and Joseph Williams

Providenciales Police have busted open a seemingly organised crime ring in the Leeward and Grace Bay areas in which thieves have netted over $50,000 in goods during a ten day robbery spree, and are believed to have committed countless more over a two month period.

Well-placed Police sources have confirmed that 19-year old Renaldo Clarke a resident of the Bight and 18-year old Joseph Williams of Leeward Palms have been arrested and charged with burglary and sentenced to 14 months in jail on Tuesday April 29 th at the Providenciales Magistrates court.

Before delivering sentencing, Chief Magistrate Richard Williams, in his submission praised the local police for the fast work in capturing and compiling the evidence against the young men, and also lauded the citizen who informed the police on what was happening with the two men.

However police also tell The SUN , that they believe at least three other young men were assisting Williams and Clarke with the robberies, but have yet to charge them as investigations continue.

In what has been described as perhaps one of the more creative robbery operations, the police have revealed that the young men used socks over their hands to hide fingerprints and stalked houses for several days before entering.

The two men admitted to watching particular houses for days on end and even knowing the travelling habits of the inhabitants and travel itineraries. The men also knew which days the maids came in and what time they left.

Police say that the two young men hid their stash in the bushes of Leeward and the Bight and approached potential buyers and friends with stolen goods, while keeping the items out of sight to regular road users.

When the officers took Williams and Clarke by vehicle to the area they had designated as their hideout they recovered some items and then went to other homes where they sold the remaining items. No other persons were charged with receiving stolen property and cooperated with the police when questioned.

Items recovered included jewellery, lap-tops, clothing, some groceries, electronics and other items, estimated to be valued well over $50,000.

The men also admitted to entering five homes in the area within a one week timeframe. Residents of the affected areas are breathing a sigh of relief that the two men have been captured and are praising the police for their comprehensive work in the matter.

The police have in turn thanked the anonymous member of the public who turned in the two men after they approached him to purchase stolen goods.

As one officer told this newspaper, “Anytime you see two young men just starting work, if working at all, offering to sell high cost items and articles with which they are not associated, anyone should become suspicious.”

Chief Justice Williams, in praising the police for their swift detection and work, also praised the member of the public who offered a tip to the police. He went on to credit Williams and Clarke for not wasting the court's time by pleading guilty and showing some aspect of remorse for their crimes.

The men were arrested and charged on five counts of burglary each, and to their credit completely complied with the police once caught, thus receiving a reduced sentence.