08-11-2017, 03:40 AM
what is recommended is to have an on-island representative. that person has legal authority to grant permission to police to enter a property, or to press charges on behalf of the property owner, when the property owner is off-island and/or unavailable.
in this case, also letting your neighbors know you are away may have helped the situational awareness.
and when you are away, have someone check on your property AT LEAST EVERY FEW DAYS by physically going on the property and inspecting your belongings. obviously a security system and cameras would have helped.
bottom line - this is the wild west. if you aren't actively protecting it - it will walk away.
in this case, also letting your neighbors know you are away may have helped the situational awareness.
and when you are away, have someone check on your property AT LEAST EVERY FEW DAYS by physically going on the property and inspecting your belongings. obviously a security system and cameras would have helped.
bottom line - this is the wild west. if you aren't actively protecting it - it will walk away.