DPS received 1,850 complaints for various crimes

Since Typhoon Soudelor hit Saipan last Aug. 2, there have been a total of 1,850 complaints for various crimes received by the Department of Public Safety, according to DPS Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero yesterday.

Deleon Guerrero said the lack of electric power contributed to a lot of homes becoming potential victims to burglary and vandalism.

DPS investigations after Soudelor resulted in 109 criminal arrests, including five persons charged for siphoning gas and stealing generators.

According to DPS statistics, of the 1,850 complaints, Garapan tops the lost with 435, followed by Chalan Kanoa with 179, and Susupe with 172. Most complaints were for disturbing the peace, followed by burglary and theft.

Deleon Guerrero said they have police officers who have been “stretched to the limit” since the typhoon and that DPS is still in recovery mode in terms of operations.

He said the Commonwealth Bureau of Investigation is currently operating in the briefing room at the main DPS building, where there is electric power. This poses a challenge because it limits their capacity to interview victims or interrogate suspects.

“I appeal for patience from the community in terms of us being able to respond to the types of complaints or cases that are filed with the department,” he said.

Because much of the island still has not received island power, DPS is putting a lot of manpower resources out on the streets.

“The reason being is, because if you don’t have power, you don’t have lighting. If you don’t have lighting, there is a high potential for crimes to occur,” he said.

Deleon Guerrero noted that after the disaster struck, many residents moved out of their homes and relocated to hotels, apartments, or homes of family members who have power. That left a lot of these homes easy prey for burglars.

DPS spokesman Jason Tarkong agreed with the commissioner about the spike in burglary and theft cases happening after the typhoon, saying it has made it easier for burglars to get inside homes where there are no occupants or the doors are damaged and open.

Tarkong said that, according to Criminal Bureau of Investigation commander Jeffrey F. Olopai’s report, since Soudelor battered Saipan, 17 persons were officially charged in court for crimes against persons such as domestic violence, and 12 cases were forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.

Tarkong said 66 cases of crimes against persons are being actively investigated. Fourteen burglary cases have been closed or in which suspects were identified and the stolen items were recovered.

He said eight prior burglary and theft cases have been closed as a result of the investigation and over $10,000 worth of stolen items were recovered.

Tarkong added that detectives arrested a person for illegal possession of 6 grams of methamphetamine, but the suspect has not been formally charged.