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Arrests bring some relief for home invasion victim

Six nights after her Devonshire home was invaded, Rhonda Wilkinson was relieved to hear that arrests have been made but said the nightmare is far from over for her.Still tearful and shaken by the ordeal, Ms Wilkinson said: “I just hope the police have the right people in custody, and I still want to know if they are affiliated with one of the gangs here, because if they are I have big concerns for my family’s safety.”Four suspects, a woman and three men, were arrested in connection with the home invasion that occurred last Monday around 8.30pm. Ms Wilkinson and members of her family, including her ten-year-old son, were held at gunpoint and threatened by a man with a machete.The culprits made off with cash, jewellery and other items.When contacted by The Royal Gazette yesterday, Ms Wilkinson said: “I have been contacted by police today; they said they will be coming by to see me.”She added: “My son doesn’t want to be at home anymore. He said he feels safer at my sister’s house.“I’m glad to hear that police have made arrests but I want to know if there are gang affiliations involved. While I’m relieved, I am still not at ease.”Police Superintendent Antoine Daniels confirmed the arrests on Thursday and said the suspects remain in police custody.Meanwhile, investigators are continuing the appeal for any witnesses who may have been in the Middle Road, Devonshire area between 8pm and 9pm on Monday, April 2.They are also asking for anyone with any information whether they believe it to be important or not to contact police on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.Supt Daniels also repeated the call for community support to help combat violent crime. “As I have stated many times before, the Bermuda Police Service’s capacity to deal with crime depends to large extent upon its relationship with the community.“Recently in Bermuda, this belief appears to have been accepted with many positive interactions occurring between police and citizens, resulting in a significant number of high profile firearms offenders being successfully prosecuted before the courts.”Acting National Security Minister Michael Scott, in response to news of a third home invasion within the past five weeks, said: “This senseless crime subjected children to the threat of serious harm and that is a shocking element of this crime.“I would like to reinforce with the community that we must exercise increased vigilance, adopt neighbourhood watch mentalities and act as our brother’s keeper.“We urge members of the public with any, I stress any, information regarding this incident or any suspicious behaviour noticed in your neighbourhoods to contact the police directly or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline.”On March 5, three women were held at gunpoint at a cottage in Southampton near the Reefs.Two men have been charged with possessing the laptop computer that was stolen with cash and other items, but no-one has been charged with the armed robbery.Three men have been charged with a home invasion at a Hamilton Parish residence on March 20. All three have been remanded in custody.And charges are pending against the four suspects arrested last week in connection with Ms Wilkinson’s home invasion on April 2.She added: “I still haven’t had much sleep since last Monday, but I want to thank everyone for their concern and warm wishes since this terrible ordeal.”