-residents remain fearful
Senior police officers yesterday visited businessman Ricky Kumar and apologised for the “sloppy” response of ranks to a report of armed robbery at his Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara home on Thursday morning.
Stabroek News was told that Divisional Commander (ag) Leroy Brummel, other senior officers and detectives visited the area, while an investigation has also been launched to find those ranks that were negligent in the execution of their duties.
Despite the apologies and the assurances that were given, residents yesterday told this newspaper that they were still very fearful but are now more vigilant.
Two masked gunmen invaded the Lot 40 Section C property around 3:15 am and terrorised the occupants, including two small children. They later escaped with about $200, 000 in cash, as well as other articles.
The men spent between 20 to 30 minutes in the house during the raid.
Kumar’s brother-in-law Aseef Balmacoon had recounted to this newspaper that after the bandits left, around 4am, he called the Clonbrook Outpost several times but the number was busy.
He then called 911 three times but it rang out on each occasion; 092 was his next try and he was successful in getting a number for the Cove & John Police Station.
However, he was shocked when the rank who answered the phone said that no patrol was available. He then called the Mahaica Police Station and the information was taken.
Neighbours, who had made contact with the Cove and John Police Station prior to Balmacoon, were told to call Timehri for assistance. Balmacoon said that ranks from Vigilance came about 30 minutes after the bandits fled, only because a policeman living in the neighbouring community of Ann’s Grove contacted them.