By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Safety is urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant as officers investigate a series of burglaries reported during and after Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato said Tuesday that officers have been responding to break-ins affecting a variety of establishments across Saipan.
“During and following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, DPS officers have responded to multiple reported burglaries involving several businesses, schools, and other establishments,” he said.
The department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is leading the investigations and continuing to follow up on active cases.
“CIB is conducting investigations and continues to follow up on the active cases,” Sato said.
He said the department cannot release additional details while the investigations remain ongoing.
“Due to the ongoing investigations, DPS is unable to provide specific details at this time but remains committed to pursuing those responsible and ensuring public safety throughout the recovery effort,” he said.
The increase in reported burglaries comes as many properties remain damaged or unsecured following the Category 5 typhoon, which disrupted power, alarm systems, and normal operations across the island.
DPS said patrols will continue in affected areas while officers assist businesses and schools working to restore security measures.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
