7 News Belize

Break-in at BDF HQ, Criminals In Camouflage?
posted (December 18, 2019)
There was a break in at the Price Barracks last night - and it happened right at the Force Headquarters building - where the commander of the BDF and his Deputy have their offices.

But, the brazen burglars weren't after the General's papers; they were after liquor and cash - stored in the Finance Officer's office. The liquor is purchased annually by the BDF at duty free prices to be sold at cost price to the soldiers - as a sort of Christmas time military perk.

But, it seems the duty free discount wasn't enough for the burglars whop pried open a window to get into the office.

Now, it's a secure compound - guarded by the military - and the break in does suggest that soldiers could be responsible. We asked the general about this very disturbing possibility today:

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defence Force
"We did had an incident where someone broke into an office that we had some drinks in and that matter is also being investigated and we are also getting some assistance from the police with that."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"This happened in the FHQ building. That's right across from your office."

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"It is. It happens wherever you go."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"It has to be a soldier who did it. Am I right?"

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"We assume so."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"It's a secure compound. We know there is a lot of alcohol in there at Christmas. You all get duty free alcohol for the soldiers and there is a lot of money in there. Might it had been a multiple case of theft of large quantities of alcohol, large quantities of money?"

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"It was minimal in there in terms of alcohol and the money wasn't there. I believe a couple change was there, but not much money and not much alcohol, because most of it had already been sold off and the money doesn't stay in there. They normally take out the money."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"They broke in through the roof I am told."

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"No, through some windows."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Sir, you have criminals in uniform."

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"We are a reflection of society."

To their credit, the BDF has reported the break in to Ladyville police and it is being investigated by the CIB and the BDF's own investigators.

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