(Trinidad Guardian) T&T Cricket Board’s chief executive officer, Suruj Ragoonath, has said that surveillance cameras will soon be installed at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre at Balmain, Couva. His comments came a day after left-arm spinner Khary Pierre and two other national cricketers were robbed of cash and cellphones as they trained for the 2012 Champions League T20, scheduled to be held in South Africa in October. Pierre and his colleagues were on the field when thieves crept into their dressing room, rummaged through their bags and stole their valuables. About 28 players were training at the time. Speaking at the board’s office in Balmain yesterday, Ragoonath said that there were no security officers present at the time of the theft. He said whenever there is a match involving national and international cricketers at the compound, a security firm is hired.
Noting that it was not the first time that such an incident occurred, Ragoonath said it was time to install surveillance cameras at the compound. He added that several years ago, thieves broke into the office and stole a vault which contained important documents. After that incident, the compound was fenced. Ragoonath said a keypad security system was recently installed for the administrative office and on normal days, one guard was sufficient to keep watch. However, he said better security measures needed to be put in place for the Couva facility. He said consideration will also be given to purchase lockers for the cricketers. Police said yesterday that they are continuing to investigate the theft. The dormitory was dusted for fingerprints and police said they have received a description of a suspect. Couva police are continuing investigations.
