radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Two business owners have been robbed in separate incidents at St Margaret’s and Debe, even though police have stepped up patrols in the southern region.
In the first incident, Amelia Khan, 46, of St Margaret’s, the proprietor of Chan's Cosmetics was accosted by two robbers and relieved of cash and $11,000 worth of brand-name perfumes.
Khan told police she was conducting sales at her establishment at St Margaret's Junction when a man wearing dark-coloured pants and a white vest came into the store, pretending to be a customer.
Another suspect wearing a mask walked up to Khan's employee Rachel Gopiechand and also enquired about the perfumes.
The first robber then pulled out a gun and ordered Khan to empty her cash register. The second robber threw Gopiechand to the ground and then snatched the perfumes from the showcase. The men then fled on foot.
Ag Sgt Seetaram, PC Suliman and Ramnarine visited the scene and lifted fingerprints from the store. The police are now searching for the suspects.
In the second incident, Debe proprietor Robindrinath Ramsawak, 32, was robbed at his New Style Bar located downstairs his home.
Police said around 12:10 am on Friday, Ramsawak had just closed his establishment when a man walked up to him with a cutlass and relieved him of $6,000 in cash. He then ran away in the direction of Penal Rock Road.
The thief has not yet been caught.
PC Toll is continuing investigations.