-residents say
A string of reported armed robberies within the past week have left residents at Amelia’s Ward, Linden in fear and concerned about the lack of adequate security and street lights in the area.
Bandits are said to be brazenly operating in the area, brandishing guns among other weapons while a few others are wearing masks. There has also been a reported increase in the number of break-ins at homes in the area.
Businessman Marcia Cumberbatch of 649 South Amelia’s Ward was held at gun-point on Friday night when bandits stormed her business. A customer, who was in the documentation centre that Cumberbatch operates, was also held up by the bandits.
One of the bandits, who whipped out a handgun upon entering Cumberbatch’s business, shot at her brother when he attempted to trap them in the building, but the bullet missed him. This is according to the businesswoman who told Stabroek News yesterday that her brother was lucky.
Police have since detained a man in connection with the attempted robbery at Cumberbatch’s business, according to sources.
Cumberbatch recounted to Stabroek News that she was in the document centre of her business, which also houses a variety store, when a man walked in and jumped over the counter to where she was. He was brandishing a handgun and within minutes another man showed up at her door and was standing guard. It was around 9.55 pm and there was only one customer in the place at the time.
She said the armed bandit told her not to move and commanded the customer to raise his hands; they both complied.
But while the men were in the centre Cumberbatch’s brother, who was outside, realised that something was amiss and decided to check. The brother ended up slamming in the grill door to the centre, which resulted in the gunman discharging a round at him.
Cumberbatch said that her brother took cover and subsequently fled. She said the gunman and his accomplice seemed confused after realising what her brother wanted to do, and just about the same time her mother spotted the men and raised an alarm. She used that opportunity to run and the men fled the scene on foot. The police were later called in.
Cumberbatch said the area needs street lights, and that there is a need for more security. She said too that a system should be worked out where victims will be able to contact the authorities in Linden faster than they can right now.
