The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) is gravely concerned with the increasing presence of criminals in and around the Chaguanas area.
CCIC head Baldath Maharaj also lamented yesterday that too many people are becoming victims because of social media transactions.
Maharaj said recent murders in the central borough had signalled to residents that there is very little fear of the law by criminals.
He said many people also have little faith that crimes would be solved and if there are arrests, that it would lead to prosecution.
Maharaj was at the time speaking at the launch of the Better Business TT initiative at the Signature Hall, Montrose, Chaguanas.
He said the authorities continue to say publicly that crime is reducing in the borough but this is not the reality for burgesses.
“We at the Chaguanas Chamber are not sure how the measurement is being done because residents continue to live in fear for their personal safety.
“We again make a call to the Commissioner of Police to increase surveillance, more so with the use of technology, to provide residents with the necessary comfort to continue their business activity,” Maharaj said.
“If SMEs are to flourish ... crime has to reduce significantly ... The Chamber again wishes to make a call to be part of the crime talks in order to give an unbiased view and solution.”
He said robberies and assaults are on the rise.
“We continue to hear horror stories from victims who were defrauded of their hard-earned cash, and encountered physical injury, and even death.”
Maharaj said criminals are frequently turning to social media to carry out their nefarious acts.
“There were also numerous reports of individuals being robbed and injured physically when responding to items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Whilst useful information is provided on this platform, no screening is done, and fake profiles appear at times on that platform. Better business reduces such associated risks,” he said.
Meanwhile, regional security consultant Garvin Heerah warned that criminals are paying close attention to their victims. He said criminals are even using surveillance devices like drones in residential communities to conduct espionage on their victims.
“As I speak, white panel vans are driving through residential areas and men are operating drones in the back of these vehicles surveying your property, seeing over your walls, what types of house you have, what are the things you have in your yard,” he said.