Armed burglary terror
(CNS): An elderly couple who are both in their 80's were terrified in the early hours of this morning by three masked, armed intruders who demanded cash at gunpoint. Police said Thursday that the couple were woken up at around 2:30am to discover the men in their home in Magellan Quay, one of whom was in possession of what appeared to be a firearm. The RCIPS also revealed that one of the marked police vehicles responding to the aggravated burglary was involved in a collision with another vehicle near Jacques Scott at the junction of Shedden Road in George Town on the way to the scene. The driver of the vehicle that hit the police car was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
West Bay detectives investigating the burglary are appealing for information. They said the couple, who were not hurt but very shaken by their ordeal, were unable to give a complete description. The three men all had their faces covered and were wearing dark clothing.
No shots were fired during the incident and one of the elderly residents at the house was able to get to the burglar alarm, after which the three intruders ran from the house. Police said it has not yet been established what was stolen before the burglars took flight.
Meanwhile, the officer injured in the crash in George Town was taken to hospital, where she is still being treated, but her injuries are not believed to be serious. At the time of the smash the police officer was given a breath test and passed. The other driver, who refused to take the test, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Police enquiries in to the burglary are on-going and anyone who has any information which could assist the police is asked to call West Bay CID on 949-3999, the RCIPS Tip-Line on 949-7777 or Crime Stoppers 800-8477 (TIPS).
Category: Crime
First, I hope and pray that the couple can soon recover from the feeling of violation, and the fear that comes with being accosted in/near your own home. They must be thinking, "what if," or "I should have" or "If only we had". LIsten, it's NOT YOUR FAULT; the country has just changed radically around you, and you shouldn't have to live in fear. Start carrying a heavy walking stick, and perhaps even learn to use it effectively. I wish you were my neighbors — it would be my honor to watch out for you, because you've already paid your dues.
My father is 79. Perhaps he is unique; like most of us, he doesn't have the iron/influence necessary to carry a handgun, even though his background and skills make him infinitely more qualified that (probably) most of the RCIP.
Still, he is who he is, and I pity the foo' who decides that this bald-headed old man is easy pickings. If that happens, I hope the police response is not to arrest my father for 'excessive force', because let me tell you friends, when somebody goes after you, ESPECIALLY on your own turf, nothing is [morally] excessive.
From my father's own mouth: "I may not be the mean little buttkicker I once was, but I'm as good once, as I ever was. Beat 'em until they don't move, then give 'em one more lick just to make sure. It's what they were going to do to you. Eye for an eye doesn't mean you have to take your lick first if a hoodlum picks you for their mark."
Word.
Can we have Chuck Norris as Police Commish?
With regards to the Police vehicles and for starters, did you notice that the steering wheel is on the wrong side? The ambulances too! So here we are in a British Colony that drives on the left and all emergency vehicles that need to speed up have the steering on the wrong side. I am guessing ambulances and patrol cars from Japan or UK are more expensive?
With regards to the criminals and the crimes committed, I strongly believe that for a few months there should be a curfew. Yeah a curfew. Police and immigration should start stopping people, asking for names, ID's, what do they do for living, what are they doing right now and just plain and saimple make it uncomfortable for a while. They can catch a lot of people up to no good very easily. These bad guys know each other. It is a matter of making them talk and you can catch them all. Unfortunately for an quick solution to stop the bad guys is paying them with the same coin and set the example for others. Who is really going to miss them? Their "Human Rights" need to cease when they mess with the "Right Humans". The good citizens of these Island should not live terrified by a bunch of thugs. They need to be eliminated from society. Pay another country to put them away for life. It will cost half of what we pay now.
However the longer solution is to educate our children. Our society as it is now is not as well behaved as we think. People brake rules all the time. And that is how it all starts because our children see that it is "normal" to be bullied at the school, it is okay to park in the handicapped space, talk on thephone while driving, ignore the signs that says "no right turn", stop the bus anywhere along the roads, throw trash from the car, bad customer service and just plain be lazy. Basically the wrong becomes so common that eventually seems right and slowly but surely, those who are a bit more agressive and their line of right and wrong is very thin, do not take long in believing that it is not too bad to take things from others and from there to violence is not a big step, no matter what lawyers said. Then here we are, going the same way as the other places that are screwed up already.
'Pay another country to put them away for life.'…..?
Hey, police park in the handicapped spaces at gas stations……!!!!!
I know, I have seen them too! Not only that.; they drive while on the phone, they turn right at the Museum road even though there is a big sign there. Send those police officers away too!
It all starts with the small things we all do every day. If we think is right to talk at the movie theater even though people ask you tostop, if we use the phone at the movies even though people ask you to stop; if we park sideways at the super market taking two spaces almost because we do not care. If we park on the actual road because My Bar has the Friday Happy hour and we make cars go onto on coming traffic becuase there is no room, and we don't care; And if someone makes you notice the wrong and you answer with insults, that shows where we are as a community. A lot of us do the wrong thing, including the police who like you point out, park on the wrong places. That needs to change. Cayman can change because is small society and values can be turned around. But some need to be brought to do the right thing with a stick. For some of us is cultural. Perhaps we come from countries where it is right to drive like that or behave like that. But that is still wrong, dangerous and slowly but surely the behavior turns from bad to worst. Lets all start doing the small things right.
In the meantime I say criminals = Traitors of the Cayman Islands. Get rid of them, period.
Anyone seen the 4.5million dollar serious crimes task force as yet? Or is this not a serious crime anymore?
Will someone explain to me how you get 4,000 signitures for a road closing and hundereds for a land fill but nothing for the assault, armed robbery and murder that is now commonplace?
People are talking about how people are 'standing up" for issues but crime is ignored by the people and by politicians and those supposed fire brands on the radio.
A former member of the LA is shot but doesn't want to talk about it and everyone nods their head and forgets about it.
What is going on here & why aren't people mad as hell?
Are the criminals being protected for some reason?
Cayman has one of the highest Police force numbers per capita in the whole world. How about building some permanent roadblocks / sub Police stations at or on major arteries around the islands. I have seen it done in other countries, people get used to it because it is a necessity and they feel more secure. Criminals don't like it because it makes it harder to travel around and seek potential victims. Potential sites couold be: Just south of West Bay Fire Station; Just east of Hurleys Supermarket; Just before Bodden Town and at the junction of Franklin Sound. I am sure there is the man power to do it, there just needs to be the political will.
Don't worry everybody. The Premier is going to sell the "intellectual property" in his highly successful crime busting programme and reduce our national debt.
if there was a fair and proper distribution of wealth and prosperity on these islands crime would not be such a problem
Work harder
You are a moron! There is not justification for crime here or anywhere. If immigrants find a job, locals can too. Distribution of the right values is what is missing not "wealth" This islands do not know what poverty means and neither do you. Poor people in many real poor countries behave decently and have a lot less than the poorest person in cayman.
In fact, I think you and others that think like you are part of the problem. Robbing people at gun point or not can not be justified by such stupid concept like "distribution of wealth". Get to work, do something positive and start by doing every thing right from the moment you wake up until you get back to bed. Set a good example for others applying good citizen values instead. If we are responsible for the crime rate and aggressiveness going on today is that we ignored educating our youth in good work ethics, good deeds, been good to the community as a whole, care for the environment and the country and plain and simple do the right thing without needing to be patted on the back.
We ignored to educate our youth to be of solid character and good nature.
As far as I am concerned, criminals are terrorist that attempt against our country and its citizens and must be dealt as such.
When you are hit by a police car you are ALWAYS arrested under suspicion of DUI.
I have heart that story many times.
Ummmmmmmmmmmm……….. why wouldn't you if you hit a flashing light police car???
If you haven't been drinking, why wouldn't you take the test? Of course you are going to be suspected of DUI dingdong!
Because Cayman lives in denial, there is nothing in place to prevent these crimes from crimes from getting worse. As such, its simple to predict the future – more crime.
Can we get our ambulance drivers to train our policemen how to drive?
Why was the officer coming from that side of the island? Wouldn't/shouldn't there be someone on patrol closer or was he the closest officer? Would be interesting to know where the police are during the night. Are they sitting in the station waiting for a call, are they sitting in the car doing nothing watiting for a call???? Some insight as to where their specific "beat" is would be helpful to know! Someone shouldn't have to wait for a police officer to come to their aid in time of need!!
So you want the police to tell everyone where the on duty police cars are at any point – because the criminals would never use that information, eh!
YOU JOKING RIGHT??? I guess they should be at everyone’s door step at your beck and call, how stupid. So what if the officer was at the station waiting for a call? They do have investigations to do which involves paper work; guess they shouldn't do that either.
Be real!
'Someone shouldn't have to wait for a police officer to come to their aid in time of need.' What????? Guess shouldn't have to wait for an ambulance in time of need either! Or a fire engine? Or a doctor? Or the bank teller? Batman!!!!
I agree, the RCIPS repeatedly pledge to increase interdiction efforts through community patrols, yet there persists this culture of crime fighting that rewards the lounging around of officers at GT HQ. There they await the instructions to mop up and interview after another inevitable crime…and they wonder why there is no respect. Further, they express their outrage that so many of the public drink and drive!
Dear me, what next, will it ever end. All I can say is to as the Judges to send these people away for a very long time when they are caught and brought to Justice. Let them remain in prison until they are old and grey.
Thanks to the RCIP quick to response, so sorry there was an accident but shi****t happens.
Shame on those hooligans. How would you like if if someone stuck a gun in your grandparents face?
They've probably already done that themselves!
Let them try it in my house! They will get whats coming to them. And I promise they won't like it!
Well I know deez police recking up they new cars nuff!
Can you believe this @#*%! its like a monty python script! If we cannot solve the crimes in Cayman or when they are cought they are set free by the courts for lack of evidence only to be later arrested in the US on other serious crimes, perhaps we should just declare a state of emergency. Everybody can just stay home at night and chill for a while whilst the police sort out thier own police force first and then sort out the crap going on in this small island.
Pepper Spray, please.
More ninjas!
You mean to tell me that there were no Police in the West Bay / Seven Mile Beach area who could respond to this area? They had to send someone from GT? It's no wonder the thiefs feel so safe that they can just walk into peoples homes at all hours of the night! Time to start protecting yourselvs people! They come into my home at 2:30 AM, I will be calling for the long black wagon… Not the Police!
You would really call the A team?
I pity the fool that tries to rob me in my home.
I thine he means the Undertaker!
Perhaps more than one patrol, perhaps even every patrol, is deployed to the area. Just think!
Magellean Quay is located in Governor's Harbour. Thank you!
Governor's Harbour IS West Bay, Love it or Hate it,
Any local map of Grand Cayman will inform you of that fact!
Do those people vote Geowge Town or West Bay? Nothing further..
Chief Justice I hope you nail those masked gunmen who terrorized our
senior citizens. Ad more heat to the penalty for senior citizens and children.
No bail, no bond. 25 -30 years.
Gotta catch them first!
It is pathetic that none of our politicians is willing to take a tough position on these thugs. We need to get rid of all the current bunch and elect politicians who are tough on criminals.
Those unfortunate people. The law needs to be changed. The penalty for armed home invasion ought to be 20 years SERVED not a 7 year sentence which is reduced to 6 months with parole.
yes it should, but first they need to catch these fools!
These kind of robberies and agressiveness are becoming slowly but surely more common. Like in many other places, it happens slowly enough for all of us to be slow to demand a better policing system. Then we get complacent that is not "as bad" as it is in other parts of the world like if that makes it all okay. Pretty sad. It should be cero crime. That is what we have to aim for. We are asked to be more vigilant, to have more alarms, to not go outside alone late at night, to install better doors and windows, cameras, phones and more. The roads will be roaming with bad guys trying to get in peoples homes and we will be terrified trying to sleep inside our fortified home hoping for the best.
The number one priority for the future here is education in all senses. We need to go back to teachers with good values, that encourage good manners and helping others and protecting the environment. Ones that really can make a good difference between right and wrong. Obviously I am talkingabout a job that will take an entire generation to achieve good results. But it will be a lot easier to live as a well behaved society.
For the inmediate problem I suggest increasing the police patrol. Start asking questions like what are you doing this late at night? Where are you going tonight? Shaken them up a bit! Why wait until there is suspicious behavior to tackle the problem? I personally see so much on our roads, and gatherings late at night of people that don't seem to be up to nothing positive. If I see it, why Police don't see it.
As citizens we need to be prepared to loose a bit of comfort if we get stopped by the Police. But it is better than loosing your life.
Police go out there, ask questions, make your force earn the respect of the good citizens and make sure the bad guys are terrified to see you around. No mercy with them. Nobody is gonna miss them. Put them away for long time. Our laws are too soft and our prison is a Resort in the Caribbean! We can tackle this before it gets worst and any of us loose our life to the hands of crooks. The bad guys have no mercy, young people or old people they don't care. They know they have the upper hand!
What would the police officer do anyway when she got there? Throw a rock at them?
Breath test!
I remember a year or so ago another elderly couple in bodden town also being attacked. I hope these men are caught and punished. The elderly are considered just as violence towards children- they are defenseless. I hope they are ok and recover from the shock/fright.
God help us..my poor heart cant take no more….
might as well rename this place caymaica….
And yet, another completely idiotic comment.
caymerica, caybritain, caysia.. see where I'm going with this?
Nowhere
jayman?
As usual, whoever hits a police car is arrested on suspicion of DUI.
If somebody breaks into my house and I don't get to kill them I'll leave the island, I honestly don't expect police to be able to catch the thieves and it seems like this is getting worse…
My question is, in relation to the accident, who had the green light?
Police TIMINGis so crucial! That is why smart residents are arming themselves or have a plan B of escape, because relying on the Police to help or save you, is a very dumb expectation.
Things are getting bad. Gone are the days of paradise where you could leave your doors unlocked and be safe. Or not be suspicios whenever there is a new person around you. Now the doors are locked and they are breaking in !! or robbing you as you walk to your job!! When will the police actually hold someone for a home/personal robbery? And put them away for 10+ years. No slap on the wrist – "Please do not do it again, OK ?". For homeowners with licensed guns, please continue to shoot if they enter your house. Help the general population that do not have licensed guns.
Bars on the windows time?
And some knee capping for those who are caught?
Sick, sick, disgusting bast*rds!
More evidence of my beloved and exceptional society becoming as 'normal' as all others today.
Such things were absolutelyunheard throughout my entire lifetime (80's baby, so not that long ago) up to only a few years ago.
Whatever we are doing to and on this tiny island-nation is clearly a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, all we constantly hear about is bringing in more of the same and increasing upon what has already been done.
Yep – we truly are 'progressing' and 'developing'.
Sincerest apologies to the elderly couple for their horrifying experience. Rest assured there are many Caymanians that empathize with you and send our support and best wishes.