these took place at either hotel or guest accommodations, revealed Police press officer Evelyn James Barnett.

The rest took place at private residences, she added.

She said Commissioner Colin Coxall is calling the sudden flurry of break-ins "an emergency situation''.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Vic Richmond has been appointed to head up a special task force "to crack down on this disturbing trend'', she continued.

He will work in conjunction with acting Det. Supt. Norrell Hull. Ms James Barnett said Police will deploy extra resources and initiatives to counteract the outbreak in criminal activity.

But officers would like the public to be extra vigilant and call 911 to report suspicious sightings.

The recent increase goes completely against what had been an encouraging decline in burglaries and break-ins over the last nine months.

POLICE POL