Fourth armed robbery in GT

(CNS): A security guard was robbed by two masked men in the early hours of Sunday morning, the fourth robbery in George Town in less than two weeks. Two days ago a masked man with a machete stole cash from McRuss Grocery Store, Party Lane. On Thursday, 31 July on School Road, a man sitting in his car was robbed at gunpoint, and on Friday, 1 August, two men armed with handguns stole cash from Pet Pro’s on Crewe Road.

In the latest incident, the 911 Emergency Communications Centrereceived information at approximately 12:15 am that a security guard had been robbed behind Hard Rock Café in George Town. Police responded to the scene and were told that the man had been working alone when he was approached by two masked men, one of which appeared to be carrying a handgun. The victim told police the offenders demanded he hand over anything he had.

The victim, who was not hurt in the incident, gave the men a number of items including a wallet and a bag and the men made off on foot. One of the offenders is described as slim while the other is medium build. Both are described as dark skinned, wearing dark masks and dark clothes and were each around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall.

“This is the latest robbery which has involved offenders carrying weapons of some sort and we are doing all we can to identify these people and bring them to justice,” commented Chief Inspector Peter Kennett of the Criminal Investigation Department.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is taking a number of measures to solve these cases and prevent more from occurring, including examining forensic evidence, analyzing intelligence and reviewing disruption strategies and deployment of resources.

“We are looking at all cases to see if they could be connected and if there is any pattern or similarity. It’s a little early to say for sure if we are looking for the same men or different men in each case,” commented Kennett. “What we can say is that we need to identify these offenders before someone gets seriously hurt.”

Residents and businesses are also being asked to do all they can to lessen the chances of becoming a victim of robbery. “Businesses should consider reviewing their security measures, such as cash handling procedures, staff training and the use of CCTV and alarms,” advised Kennett. “All residents should be mindful of their surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.”

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.