FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISION UPDATE – Julisha Blades and Raquan Darlington
Police at District ‘C’ Station are conducting investigations into a fatal collision, which occurred about 2:45 p.m. on Sunday January 4th, 2026 along Carrington Road, St. Philip involving two motor cars.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when they were involved in a collision. Two persons who were traveling in one of the vehicles succumbed to injuries at the scene, two other occupants of that car were transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) by ambulance to seek medical attention. The driver of the other vehicle has sought private medical attention.
The deceased were identified by relatives as Julisha Blades, 19 years of Pounders Road, Crane, St. Philip and Raquan Darlington, 19 years of 6th Ave, Garrett Road, St. Philip.
Investigations are continuing into the collision.
We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204
Burglary Prevention Tips
Most burglaries are committed when the homes are left unattended. These culprits are mainly opportunists and they will take advantage of an easy target. Don’t make it easy for them.
- Install a deadbolt lock – Use deadbolt locks that are usually locked with a key from the outside and on the inside. The cyclinder should be pick resistant. Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even if you are leaving for just a few minutes during the day. The most popular times for residential burglaries are weekday daylight hours. In some of these burglaries, there is no forcible entry-someone forgot to lock the doors.
- Install solid doors – Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1¾ inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material and each door must fit its frame securely. A door chain and/or a peep hole can be considered.
- Homeowners should consider erecting gates to their garages – Keep garage doors closed and locked. Lock away securely all garden equipment, tools and ladders. Keep hedges low.
- Secure sliding doors and windows – Cut a broom handle to the length of the bottom track so that the window or door will not slide open when forced. Also, drill one hole through both casings and sliding window and insert a nail or pin. Ensure louvre windows are properly secured. For additional security at these windows, consider installing burglar bars.
- Secure sash windows – To prevent wooden sash windows from being pried open, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window through and into the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or nail. To prevent aluminium sash windows from being broken into, purchase a track lock that blocks the window track. REMEMBER that insect mesh screeens are NOT intended as security for windows.
- Mark your property – Mark your valuables with an engraver. Marking your property serves as a deterrent to would-be burglars and it helps police in identifying, tracing and returning stolen property. Make a property identification list. Operation Identification is such a service offered by The Royal Barbados Police Force, free. Call your police station and make your request.
- Purchase a burglar alarm – A home alarm system can be a very effective burglary deterrent and fits into many people’s needs. Remember to test your system monthly.
- Use proper exterior lighting – Place a light over every door. Use good exterior lighting on each corner of the house, also light up windows. Leave lights on, close bedroom drapes and blinds.
- Work together with your neighbours – When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbours and ask them to watch your property. When on vacation, have someone cut grass. Shrubbery should not hide neighbours’ view of windows or doors. Have someone pick up newspapers and mail. Tell neighbours to call police if they notice anything suspicious. Form or join a neighbourhood watch.
Vehicle Security Tips
Vehicle Security consists of three problems.
- The theft of vehicles
- The theft from within vehicles
- The theft of the component parts and accessories from vehicles
HELP THE POLICE TO HELP YOU
The problem of theft of and from motor vehicles is of concern to us in the force and should be to you motor vehicle owners. The police need your help and co-operation in beating the criminal. You can reduce the chances of having your vehicle stolen or broken into by following this advice.
How We can tackle these problems
- Always remove the ignition key, even if leaving your vehicle unattended for a short while.
- Close the windows, lock the doors and pocket the keys.
- Remove all valuable items from the vehicle. If not possible place them in the trunk out of sight.
- Always park where the vehicle can be seen. During hours of darkness, park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.
- Never hide a spare key under the sunvisor…….thieves know where to look.
- Fit the vehicle with an alarm system or immobiliser.
- Whenever you leave your vehicle, make sure the steering lock is engaged.
- Avoid parking too close to walls and high hedges, which criminals can hide behind.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen
- Notify the police department immediately.
Provide the police with the following information:
- Where the incident happened.
- Vehicle licence number.
- Vehicle identification number.
- Make and colour of vehicle.
- Don’t forget personal identification points such as dents, scratches, etc.
- Notify your insurance agent/company.
LOCK IT or LOSE IT
A lot of bicycles get stolen every year. Thieves like them because they are easy to sell. This information tells you how to stop someone taking your bicycle for a ride.
LOCK IT
- Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, even if you are just popping into a shop for a minute.
- When at home, lock your bicycle in a secure place.
- A good chain and lock would suffice but it is better to fit a steel D-shaped shackle lock.
- Whenever possible, you should lock your bicle to something solid like an utility pole or railings.
- If your wheels come off easily, remove the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel, using a second lock if possible
The police recover a number of bicycles every year, but most of them have to be auctioned simply because there’s no way of knowing who the owners are. So have your bicycle marked by the police. This will help the police get it back to you if they find it.
