Two armed bandits, who posed as customers, yesterday robbed the Lands and Surveys Commission at d’Urban Backlands, Georgetown of $1.7 million in what is suspected to be an inside job.
Stabroek News understands that the robbery occurred around 9.50 am yesterday when the two men, who were well-dressed, managed to walk pass two security check-points and then held up three female staff members in the Finance Department.
A brief police statement on the attack said the two men, one of whom was armed with a gun, took away $1.7 million in cash and cheques and escaped on a motorcycle.
No one was hurt in the attack.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum yesterday confirmed that investigators were questioning a female clerk from the Finance Department and another employee who usually carries out bank-related transactions for the agency.
A source told Stabroek News that from all indications the robbery appeared to be an inside job. “It appeared that the men had some collusion with an employee,” the source said.
This newspaper was told that the two men managed to enter the building without being checked for any weapons. The checkpoint at the front of the premises bears a sign that reads, “No weapons allowed.” The men also managed to avoid a second security checkpoint located on the second flat. The men were also aided by the fact that there are no surveillance cameras on the premises.
One of the men had in his possession an envelope that contained a blank paper as he walked into the records office, while the other entered the Finance Department, where he pulled out the gun and alerted the staff on duty that it was a robbery before relieving them of the cash and cheques. The men subsequently managed to leave the building without an alarm being raised.
This newspaper was informed that the money was scheduled to be used for the payout of salaries.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation Renee Duesbury refused to reveal any information. When questioned, he continuously responded, “There was a robbery and the matter is being investigated by the police.”
A resident of the area said that although he was not aware of the robbery up to midday yesterday, it was no shock to him. “At the back here, a set of thing does happen; who ain’t get rob does get juk up or something,” the man stated. He added that continuous requests were made by residents to have police ranks present in the community because of the serious crime rate but authorities tend to pay no heed until something happens. “This place ain’t even got no street lights,” he declared.
