Robber loses ‘face’ and escapes empty handed
(CNS): West Bay detectives said Wednesday that they are now investigating an attempted robbery at a local convenience store and are asking the public if they recognize this mask (pictured left). The rubber face mask was worn by a man who tried to rob L’s Grocery store on North West Point Road in West Bay on Tuesday afternoon at around 3.00pm. The suspect who was wearing the mask was armed with a machete when he entered the store and confronted the male cashier. The would-be robber tried to grab cash from the register but was unable to open it.
Police said the robber then ran from the store empty handed and isthought to have made off, on foot, across Aloe Lane directly opposite the store. Police officers who attended the scene and launched a search for the suspect recovered the mask and machete a short distance from the store.
The suspect is described as around 5’10” in height, light complexion and of skinny build. He was wearing a white or cream coloured long sleeved shirt, which had buttons and a flower pattern on the front, and light coloured full length jeans.
Detective Constable Nathan Turner, of West Bay CID, is appealing for anyone with information about the crime to come forward.
“This is a very distinctive mask,” he said. “If you know anyone who owns a mask similar to the one in the photograph, or you are a retailer who has recently sold one of these masks, I would be keen to talk to you. If you were in the area at the relevant time yesterday and saw the suspect either enter the store or run off after the attempted robbery please call West Bay CID or the confidential Crime Stoppers number – you could have informationwhich could assist the enquiry.”
Information can be passed to West Bay CID on 949-3999 or Crime Stoppers 800-8477 (TIPS).
Category: Local News
DNA Testing 101:
The two types of testing used in the real world are RFLP and PCR. Generally, RFLP testing requires larger amounts of DNA and the DNA must be undegraded. Crime-scene evidence that is old or that is present in small amounts is often unsuitable for RFLP testing. Warm moist and salty conditions may accelerate DNA degradation rendering it unsuitable for RFLP in a relatively short period of time.
PCR-based testing often requiresless DNA than RFLP testing and the DNA may be partially degraded, more so than is the case with RFLP. However, PCR still has sample size and degradation limitations that sometimes may be under-appreciated. PCR-based tests are also extremely sensitive to contaminating DNA at the crime scene and within the test laboratory. During PCR, contaminants may be amplified up to a billion times their original concentration. Contamination can influence PCR results, particularly in the absence of proper handling techniques and proper controls for contamination.
Consider that even if conditions were optimal and a successful sample taken in a proper lab (which doesn’t exist here), we would still need a candidate sample to match it to.
DNA sampling is likely only to be successful with dried liquid residue (blood, semen, saliva) and, in some circumstances, hair. Tissue residue can also be suitable, but this is typically only available where a body is present (such as for identifying a dead body).
DNA? (Do Not Accept) this kind of evidence…
so the clerk didnt see his face…?
Police dont do anything except take statements and ask for witness to come to …give statements
get off your tushies and investigate!!!
I wonder if he "lost face" as far as his criminal buddies are concerned?
Looks dissapointed that he left empty handed.
How about checking it for DNA? Come on RCIPS, get with the times!!
One would think that the police should immediately review online pictures of recent Halloween parties held in Cayman for clues.
DNA should be the factor that should be considered by the RCIPS!!!
Had our authorities implemented proper and effective means of detection and security measures, they wouldn’t need to ask the public such stupid question!!
Maybe this mask was last seen at Halloween time in Fosters Food Fair!!……duh!!
Your guys frustrate the XXXX out of me, yoh!!!!
Obtain DNA Sample. The RCIPS should be able to find DNA on this mask and have it tested at our lab at the GT Hospital. Hopefully it can be matched to a suspect.
Should be plenty of DNA on the mask …. one would have thought that it would have been "Tagged and Bagged".
I think I know who it’s Prince Charles spitin image.
Must be fingerprints somewhere on the mask or the machete. What about DNA around the mouth and nose of the mask? Or have I been watching too many TV detective shows? Small Island, by now we should have fingerprints and DNA on file for everyone ever arrested in the last 5 or 10 years.
Some newcomers come by water taxi (canoes / boats) and wouldn’t be subected to fingerprinting.