Hardware store robbery troubling
Dear Editor, The recent robbery at the Hardware Emporium General Store is a very troubling incident that needs a detailed investigation, and to be handled firmly by the Guyana Police Force. The news reports mention that bandits had torched their way into the Hardware Emporium after disconnecting the company’s electricity and disabling all the alarms, after which they made off with a safe.
The Guyana Times carried an in-depth article about the robbery, stating that it had occurred a day or two after the store had installed their security system. It was also noticed that the perpetrators had been very aware of the location of the security system and the safe, making it seem as if the job had an internal staff component. Reports also stated that the thieves locked the caretaker in his room.
The technique of this robbery is something for this nation to be very worried about. This is a serious matter that needs to be pursued with urgency. In Lamaha Gardens and Bel Air, it is thought that one suspect was responsible for the various robberies in the respective areas, yet the police have still been unable to apprehend this individual. According to information, the individual was seen on several closed circuit television cameras in the area. We know that in other countries, persons do terrible things, and through photographs alone, within days or hours the perpetrators are apprehended.
Not too long ago, when my company had a serious incident and one of our guards was attacked by bandits, the vehicle robbed, and one of our personnel severely injured, I had made an offer to the Government of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission to donate a million dollars to start a fund for apprehending these criminals. The aim was to offer a reward for information leading to the apprehension of criminals involved in robberies, murders and sabotage. But no one in the private sector or government bothered with the idea, not realizing that people would divulge more confidential information for cash reward than in any other way. This is especially so if the reward was big enough.
At this time, my offer is no longer on the table, because of the economic crisis we have been facing in recent times. However, the offer was made. Maybe it can be done again with team work and fundraising activities, and monthly contributions from the private sector. The funds can be managed by the private sector in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force.
I do not believe that crime has decreased much in this country, however, the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Police Force data say otherwise, saying that there has been a reduction of 16%. Nevertheless, this robbery of the Hardware Emporium has not contributed to citizens’ peace of mind.
Yours faithfully, Roshan Khan RK’s Security Services