Residents of Huberts Town in Guapo say they are living in fear after bandits infiltrated their once-peaceful community. But police are assuring them that measures are being taken to safeguard the area.
Villagers told Guardian Media that over the past three months, bandits have targeted their homes and businesses. Businessman Michael “Crazy Jerry” Darrabie, who owns a hardware and grocery store, said he was robbed by five men, two armed with firearms.
He was sitting on a forklift when two men jumped the fence. Initially, he thought they were pranking him until one of them pulled out a gun. “I say s*&# ... this thing is real, boy.”
They pushed him on the van tray, took his money, and forced him into his hardware and grocery. “They gone inside and down to the shop. They pull down my camera system ... they buss down the cash register.”
Darrabie, who opened his business 23 years ago, said that several years before, the police shot and killed a bandit at his store. While he saw the police in the area on Tuesday night, he said there need to be frequent patrols. Another resident, Stanley Richardson, 64, complained they are “very fearful”.
“We have a lot of bandits infiltrating the area. They walking around between 11 pm and 2 in the morning. They coming and checking doors and gates.”
He recalled that on Sunday, bandits broke into his neighbour’s house while he was sleeping and stole his wallet and phone.
He said another resident who owns a chicken depot was robbed.
Richardson said residents have been investing in CCTV systems and alarms. “We need help, more assistance here. More police officers on the beat, even if they have to take a taxi and just walk in and let people see their presence.” Another resident claimed the gas truck has been robbed on several occasions. Another victim said that while he was asleep, bandits stole his radio, wacker, and money from his home.
Millie La Barrie, 73, urged residents to safeguard themselves and suggested forming a community watch group, emphasising the need to “look out” for one another.
However, Sgt Ramsaran of the Guapo Police Station said while Hurberts Town was not known for high crime, resources have been diverted to put measures in place to ensure residents feel safe.
“I worked last night, and I made it a priority to go down there and do patrols between 10 (pm) and 4 (am),” he said. “We are definitely working on this. I have already put a team to deal with and diffuse these people (suspects).”
Brighton/Vessigny Councillor Jillon Lewis and Techier/Guapo Councillor Wendell Williams said the situation is creating anxiety and called for increased police patrols in the community. (Sascha Wilson)
