Liquor store says criminals need to think twice

| 04/05/2011

(CNS): In the wake of a foiled robbery at Blackbeard’s Grand Harbour store this week, the management is warning would-be thieves that it and most other liquor stores now all have high grade security measures at their stores. Two teenagers armed with a loaded shotgun were arrested after the bungled crime on Monday afternoon when staff calmly refused to open the tills and three members of the public then apprehended the teen robbers as they tried to run away. Nancy van der Bol, director of retail operations, said staff security training, CCTV cameras and other anti-theft technology thwarted the robbery.

“To protect both our customers and employees, we have invested heavily in anti-theft technology such as CCTV. Most liquor stores on the island, including all Blackbeard’s and Big Daddy’s outlets, have high grade security cameras in place and thieves should think twice about targeting such facilities,” she added. “In circumstances such as this, the police will often utilize the CCTV images to identify and prosecute those involved. In addition, we also provide intensive trainingfor all of our staff on how to handle situations such as this.”

She acknowledged, however, that nothing fully prepares people for the sight of a weapon and said she was extremely proud of the way staff conducted themselves. Management also offered thanks to three members of the public who helped to stop the suspects from getting away from the scene. Matthew Bishop, General Manager of said the firm, said he was incredibly thankful that no one was harmed.

“This was a very serious situation that had potentially devastating consequences. Our staff acted with great calmness and professionalism throughout the incident,” the liquor store boss said. “We are also thankful for the extraordinary efforts of several members of the general public,
in particular Mr Charles Ebanks, Mr Edward Azan and Mr Ray MacGuire, who put their own lives at risk by chasing and apprehending the two suspected criminals and restraining them until the police arrived. It was an incredible and unexpected act of courage.”

To recognize the efforts of Ebanks, Azan and MacGuire and to support the community’s drive to eradicate violent crime, Blackbeard’s will be making a donation to both Cayman Crime Stoppers and to Prison!Me!No!Way! an organisation that focuses on youth and crime prevention.

Bishop also thanked the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service for its swift and thorough response to this situation. “Without them, we would not have been able to get the suspects into custody and dealt with so quickly,” he said, adding that the actions of the staff and the men reflect how many people feel about crime on the island.

“Although we would never encourage or expect people to take risks of any kind, this incident is a good example of how key an issue crime really is right now,” said Bishop. “It is affecting all of us and our visitors to the island directly and indirectly and it has to stop. Everyone can do their part, whether it is an extreme measure such as this, or by calling Cayman Crime Stoppers with information, cooperating with police, or reporting anything suspicious," he added.
 

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  1. Ray's Sister Deanne says:

    I am so proud of you Ray …missing you in Canada

  2. Joe McGuire says:

    Thats my brother. A true man right to the T. Ray is a great guy who always helps everone before thinking of himself. Cheers Ray!

    The McGuire's in Sarnia , ON , Canada wish you well. Job well done Old Chap!

  3. Matthew McGuire says:

     So proud of my dad raymond McGuire. 

    • Stiffed-Necked Fool says:

      Did you see that little FOP getting out of the police car and shaping his fingers like a gun and firing at the camera and then on the way out he sticks up his finger at the camera. It seems he is a last in the right place!
      NOT TODAY BO BO or any other day BO BO!

      • Dennie Warren Jr. says:

        Yep, I did see him "shaping his fingers like a gun and firing at the camera".  One of the reasons I own a firearms is to defend myself against people like him.  Section 18(1)(a) of the Firearms Law (2008 Revision).

  4. Anonymous says:

    My imagination runs wild when I think of apprehending someone that have breached my security or threatens me in my property. Tamrind switches will be singing like willow trees during a hurricane for DAYS! Like so many other residents, I have had ENOUGH!

  5. Mr. Spooner says:

    With respect to Mrs. Van der Bol, CCTV, security training and anything else didn’t stop these thieves. Those brave young men did and Dart should cough up the money to reward them for their vigilance. They have done what the Premier and the RCIPS couldn’t get done in years.

    If those guys didn’t do what they did, I’m sure you’d be reading the paper or listening to the news talking about some unknown gunmen got away scott free.

  6. Jim Gillies says:

    Mr MacGuire should be awarded the right to hold Caymanian status if he so desires. Anyone whos will to risk their life for whats right in this country as this man clearly did is the kind of person you want in the neighbourhood.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Let us bring discipline back into the country– it starts at home first

  8. Subway Cookie says:

    p.s. considering their bravery and the fact that the business is probably insured against these types of occurrences, I sincerely hope the owner will volunteer a fitting reward in recognition of their bravery and quick thinking. Not only did they thwart this robbery but may have prevented many more future ones. THESE are the people we should be honoring and I am so proud of them!

  9. Anonymous says:

     "Not today Bobo"

  10. smiles says:

    "Nancy van der Bol, director of retail operations said staff security training, CCTV cameras and other anti-theft technology thwarted the robbery."  Correction:  I think the ones who THWARTED the robbery were those two Caymanian men of the sea!

    • Dennie Warren Jr. says:

      I totally agree with you!  Thank you for saying "Nah today Bo-bo!" to misinformation.  The staff played an important role and should be congratulated, but it is absolutely clear that is was Charles and Edward who thwarted the the robbery and no one should try to rob them of that fact.

  11. Anonymous says:

     Exelente amigos

  12. Anonymous says:

    Yes its great these criminals were apprehended, but it is concerning on who is giving the so called instensive security training “staff calmly refused to open tills”. That isn’t the smartest thing to do when someone is pointing a shotgun at you. The Police themselves say don’t argue with the criminal and give them what they want (money). This shouldn’t be encouraged on refusing to give them the money. You can replace money but cannot replace a life!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree 100%. That is basic knowledge – someone pointing a gun at you – give them what you got. The guys outside had time to make a basic plan but the cashier inside – that’s a different story. Dont be willing to give up your life to save money (somebody else money at that)

  13. Anonymous says:

     They should get free Liquor for life! 

    I’m just saying. 🙂

    • Eye care says:

      These two fellows are to be commended for standing up for there country! Lets not let the little up and coming riff-raff define the next generation of Cayman. This place is so beautiful and should remain there. PARENTS GIVE YOUR KIDS A SLAPUPSIDE THE HEAD ONCE IN AWHILE!!! It never hurt me,and I believe it made me learn a little respect. [Easy all you good Christians I’m not condoning violence here!)