Deputy Commander Region No.3, Woman Superintendent Shellon Daniels led a sensitisation operation with other ranks yesterday regarding the security posture at 21 supermarkets operated by Chinese nationals from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo to Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.
A release from the police said that during the outreach effort from 9 am to 1 pm, the team addressed and advised the proprietors to apply what the Laws of Guyana require regarding the posture and security of their business premises.
“During the visit to the 21 supermarkets, only one security guard was observed to be vigilant, alert, properly attired, and intact. The team observed other guards on their cellular phones; they had no bulletproof vests, uniforms, or firearms. Also, one hundred per cent (100%) of the security guards’ precepts were photocopied. During the operation, one firearm was seized and lodged”, the release said.
The proprietors without security were advised to urgently put systems in place to ensure safety during business hours, the release said. The proprietors were also advised that the security guards must not assist in packing shelves or groceries but rather stay alert and security-conscious of their surroundings.
The outreach effort yesterday was deemed a success. The effort was also aimed at building partnerships with stakeholders, the release said.
Supermarkets and restaurants owned by Chinese nationals have been routinely attacked by bandits. On Monday, a guard was fatally shot at the People’s Supermarket located at Lot ‘F’ New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.
On Thursday, Yang Lisong, a shopkeeper at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River was fatally stabbed during a robbery.
