Armed bandits robbed the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) of an estimated $15,000 cash when they stormed the offices at Clifford Roach Drive in Balmain, Couva, on Friday. A spokesman told Guardian Media Sports that the men stormed the facility around 1.30 pm and held up the staff at gunpoint before opening a safe and making off with the cash in a waiting vehicle in the northbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway.
In a release, the T&TCB strongly condemns the brazen and violent robbery carried out at its offices by armed criminals. The release said, ‘No employee should have to endure the terror and trauma inflicted by these gunmen in the course of simply carrying out their duties.’
This disturbing incident is another stark reminder that crime and criminality continue to threaten the safety, wellbeing and peace of law-abiding citizens and institutions across our nation. We call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice and to strengthen measures to protect citizens from escalating violent crime. The release stated that the T&TCB stands firmly with its staff during this difficult time and will provide every support necessary as they recover from this traumatic ordeal.”
In the past month at least two people have been robbed in the area while exercising in the area. The bandits made off using a makeshift lay-by that leads to the highway.
Retired police officer Johnny Abraham, who retired as a senior superintendent from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and is now head of the National Operations Centre, said roadblocks were set up to intercept the bandits and noted that the matter is being investigated.
Abraham also called for the setting up of a barrier to prevent vehicles and individuals from getting on to the highway from the Clifford Roach Drive.
