Robberies, larcenies blemish Divali weekend

A series of robberies and thefts disrupted the Divali weekend in Trinidad, leaving multiple victims distressed and keeping law enforcement agencies on high alert between October 18 and October 19. The incidents spanned various locations, including St James, Barataria, Arima, Princes Town, and Caroni, highlighting a concerning surge in criminal activity during the festive period. In St James, thieves targeted vehicles, stealing car batteries and valuable items. One victim, a 26-year-old mechanical technician, discovered his car had been broken into, with tools and speakers worth $3,000 missing. Nearby, a 34-year-old woman reported her Nissan AD Wagon stolen from a secured parking spot. In Barataria, a 30-year-old woman found her Toyota Aqua’s hybrid battery stolen after the car’s glass was shattered. Similarly, a 52-year-old Longdenville woman lost her hybrid battery valued at $20,000 despite securing her vehicle in her garage. In Arima, an armed robber targeted a bar, threatening a 35-year-old employee and making off with over $40,000. The assailant, described as fair-complexioned and stocky, warned the victim, ‘Don’t look at my face, I don’t want to shoot you. Just give me everything.’ In Princes Town, a family of six fell victim to a violent home invasion, where four armed men stole cash, valuables, and two cars. The bandits, armed with cutlasses, a baton, and a hammer, bound the victims and assaulted them before fleeing. In Caroni, a supermarket was robbed by five men, three of whom were Latin nationals. Armed with guns, they assaulted staff and patrons, stealing the day’s sales, alcohol, cigarettes, and $600 from a customer. The suspects escaped in a Kia Sorento. These incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement during peak holiday periods.