Andrea Perez-Sobers
Senior Reporter
andrea.perez-sobers@guardian.co.tt
Bankers Association of T&T is finalising a partnership with Crime Stoppers and the Police Service as they fight back against criminals who have been robbing customers after they withdraw cash at ATMs and banks in the country.
The groups are working on a reward for people who have information on such incidents as they seek to deal with the situation “collectively and expeditiously” after several people have fallen victim to criminals in recent times.
Darrin Carmichael, a director of Crime Stoppers, told Guardian Media yesterday that people who have information can reach Crime Stoppers by calling 800-Tips anonymously to provide details about the crime.
“We are asking persons with information to come forward and you get an opportunity to get a reward. We have not spoken to BATT about what would be the agreed amount. But Crime Stoppers usually pays up to $10,000 for information in terms of reward and it is a portion based on the type of crime.
“In this case, BATT will have an opportunity to determine with us what they feel is a suitable type of reward for this kind of crime,” Carmichael said.
He noted that when information comes in from the public Crime Stoppers is then able to assess and investigate what has been provided and once the tip has been fruitful, the person will be able to obtain the reward.
“I am certain once this reaches the public we will be getting information on who is committing these crimes, whether it is the persons renting them the vehicles, or the perpetrators themselves and where their operations are, or even when they are going to strike next. All the information will be useful for the police to do their jobs,” the Crime Stoppers head explained.
According to Carmichael, the more the police officers do their jobs concerning nabbing the criminals and the more favour the officers find with the public, in terms of trust and confidence, people will gravitate towards sharing information.
“I know certainly through the neighbourhood watch groups they have made headway, but where people still have that apprehension is the fear of being victimised and fear of reprisal. So, we are hoping with the public awareness Crime Stoppers will be engaging in persons will feel less apprehensive,” he added.
In a statement issued yesterday, BATT assured clients that their safety remains a primary concern. BATT said “while we encourage clients to make greater use of our non-cash service options, we are committed to doing what we can to provide a safe environment for clients who choose to avail of our cash services”.
They reminded clients to remain alert, pay close attention to their immediate environs when approaching and leaving bank premises, and notify the bank and police right away if any suspicious activity or individuals are noticed.
Also commenting on this initiative was T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce chief executive officer Stephen De Gannes who said he was saddened by the situation where individual businesses have to again protect their customers and staff by employing more security.
“While this is a positive step it only protects them at the location, but what happens when they are heading home? They are at risk of being robbed. I am happy that the Bankers Association has stepped up and looked after the well-being of the citizens.
“I am a little saddened that the situation in the country has not improved and that we can depend on the forces that have the responsibilities of looking after the citizens and their safety ... they are not able to provide that safety to citizens,” De Gannes lamented.
The chamber CEO called on everyone to be careful as members of the public have their part to play.
“Crime Stoppers is really a good initiative, and I am asking everyone within their communities to reach out to them and the Police Service to find out how one can ensure their safety. They all are trying to do a job, it’s just that things have gotten out of hand. It will require all hands on deck,” De Gannes said.
People attacked
On July 3, a 71-year-old man was assaulted and robbed while attempting to deposit money in a bank in San Fernando.
The victim told police he exited his vehicle on High Street, near First Citizens Bank with the sum of $33,450 which represented sales from his NLCB lotto booth.
The victim said the money was in a white FCB deposit bag and when he proceeded to the bank’s deposit box, he was confronted by a man who assaulted him and grabbed the bag.
On June 14, another victim, 36, of Bon Air Gardens, went to a bank located off Trincity Central Road, Trincity, where he withdrew $9,000.
He then left and proceeded to the Trincity Mall carpark on the southern side to deposit the money at another bank.
On parking his vehicle, he was approached by two men, one armed with a firearm who instructed him to hand over the quantity of cash.
The victim became fearful for his life and was relieved of the $9,000 cash, his wallet which contained $1000 cash, and one Samsung S10 cellphone valued at $5,000.
Two days later, a 42-year-old man was robbed of over $30,000 minutes after a bank withdrawal in Trincity. Guardian Media understands that other customers have been victims of robbery after leaving the banks and ATM machines.
A recent Guardian Media report stated that over a million dollars have been stolen from customers as they left financial institutions within the last year and a half.