Jewel thieves strike with axes
(CNS): Police are currently investigating a smash and grab at a down town George Town jewellery store which took place Thursday morning. Three masked men wielding axes smashed up two display cases at the front of the Magnum Jewellers on Cardinal Avenue before making their escape in a stolen car later found burnt out. A spokesperson for the RCIPS said the police received a report of the raid at around 11:20am when the area was busy with Christmas shoppers from home and abroad. The robbers entered the open fronted store and smashed up the cases which contained the high end jewellery before grabbing the booty and making off in a stolen grey coloured Rav 4 registered number Q4689.
Police said that no one was hurt during the crime but it raise considerable curiosity as cruise ship visitors looked on.
The car was found later today reportedly stolen from Seaside Way, Bodden Town sometime between 9.00pm last night and 6.10am this morning. Police said the car was found burnt out in Wahoo Close, George Town. The police have not yet given a description of the itemsof jewellery stolen or a value of the gems stolen.
Anyone who has any information regarding the robbery, or who saw the grey coloured Rav 4 last night or this morning, either before or after the robbery, is asked to contact George Town police station on 949-4222, the RCIPS tip-line 949-7777 or the confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477(TIPS).
Category: Crime
Why not have all jewellery store owners have tasers to use? Seems to me this would have stopped the robbers immediately.
Some of the comments here are ridiculous. You can not make jokes about this scary attack on the community if you genuinly care about the island. These theives are becoming more and more organised and emboldened. We are moving into some dark times if we cant get this under control. You will all be affected in some way by these types of crimes.
The obvious question to ask , once again, where was the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service?
Locked up in there air conditioned cars, trucks and helicopter?
Cannot anyone see the need for on-foot, lightly armed police patrols?
Cannot anyone see the need for training our good citizens in self defense?
Cannot anyone see the need of good citizens for non-lethal defense weapons?
Why does Government insist on giving criminals their huge advantage over its
good citizens. Surely, this is the definition of insanity.
It certainly seems like the RCIPS is much more interested in protecting its
members from harm, not the citizens who hire them for their protection.
How else can you explain the police reliance on cameras to protect us?
This policy insures that the police will arrive AFTER the crime has
been committed and the criminals are gone!! And what good are they
if the criminals are disguised? And what good are if the criminals avoid the
areas where cameras are, and instead attack houses in the suburbs?
Considering the expense of installing, maintaining and monitoring cameras,
why do we have them at all?
How else can you explain the police opposition to any form of
self defense for the citizens? Plainly, the real reason is police safety.
So why do we hire a police force that is mainly interested in protecting
itself from harm.
That is the real question all Caymanians should be asking themselves.
Why do we continue to support the existing procedure while increasingly
worrying about our safety?
As a former Police officer in a major city in the USA (yes i do have ties in Cayman) might I suggest to the police the following:
1- Interview the owner of the car to see why it wasnt reported stolen earlier;
2- Interview anyone who has driven or had access to this vehcile;
3- Take DNA swabs of the car albeit burnt out, you can still lift DNA;
4- Review ALL cctv footage inculding from adjacent banks, stores, banks etc for the past 10-14 days and get intelligence from that.
I am by NO means telling the RCIPS how to do their job- I am mainly making suggestions to try and assist. These bandits need to be locked up as well as the owner of the car for not reporting it stolen.
Or they may move it out on a canoe that skip pon wata like bird.
It is clear that they must have gone into the store to know were the important stuff was. it is said that they took a 300,000 dollar diamond, so it’s not just liked they guessed. And they took the stuff to sell it for money, but the police could easily find them if a person is selling expensive diamonds for profit on the street. If the burglars were impatient to make the money, they would have to flee Grand Cayman to not get caught selling, or wait until 2012; late in the beginning months. The location of the burnt car probably wasn’t just random, the place were it was found would maybe have in common to were they live, or were the hangout; because if had no type of transportation, they wouldn’t walk a long distance to their home/hangout; noticing the fact that if they hitch hiked no SANE person would give rides to people with axes and bags of diamonds; again considering the word had spread quickly. There are tons of ways the police could catch them, but they need to find them. Most burglars aren’t the smartest, so they would be easy to catch. Word to the police: Keep your eyes opened wider to suspicious activity, because all this crime in nonsense, and getting old. There are many I’m worry of the security of their stores, and cannot bother with proper security purposes, because they don’t seem to stop any of the thefts. Magnum Jewelers does have security, Axes , I can see, but in this case, the security cameras did all the work. Luckily, no one was hurt. Life is simple, but finding the simple is the biggest challenge.
This was the last straw. We are closing our Cayman office and leaving the Island.
I say check the caymanians too on this one. Bushes talking.
Wha they saying?
ON HOLIDAY?,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,Doing WHA?
Robbing and taking the flight back away next day.
Living abroad ye say? Thats exactly what I said.
Oh, my people.
Most of you bloggers are insisting that the immigration and customs should be on the lookout for these robbers when departting from the airport. But why do you think that the robbers are going to leave their island when incidents like these are never solved? Furthermore, which country is going to accept them? These robbers know very well that they are safe at home.
Quite right, would they seriously try and get this stuff onto a scheduled passenger flight through airport security?
More likely it was all shipped out the same night on one of the regular drug boat runs, after all drugs were almost certainly what the theft was intended to fund.
You assume them to be Caymanians. I agree that is a possibility, but it is as likely they are not.
Why are you so sure it is "their Island"?
Some huge assumptions there. It would be foolish to automatically assume that they are Caymanian. Just the other day a would be robber was apprehended at the airport trying to flee to his native country.
The way this was executed suggest that they are professionals and have done this many times before.
Somebody had to see something to help the police catch these thieves. We need to change the law so that it is an offence to NOT give information to the police.
Amen, but the law will have to specify that informing on illegal things done by politicians is not a crime, otherwise there is no way that it would ever become law.
Sssssssssh The best quote of 2011 by R cips "We Are INTELLIGENTLY Aggressive" OH YEAH! can ya digg it ! RIP Macho Man Randy Savage
It was a silver Honda crv that got burnt on wahoo close. The burgundy rav4 was the getaway car. Cns please double check these facts.
it took the plastic police 15 mins to arrive at the scene.the commisioner needs to go along with alot of his work force
No it didn't, you are wrong. They were there within several minutes. And just perhaps some of them went looking for the car.
Caymankind.
I hope airport security is on the lookout. I don't think it would make sense for thugs to sport bling that cost more than their houses on island.
Who say their homes are 'on-island'?
Anon 13:55, please reread the comment you are responding to. It is suggesting exactly what you try critizing. Take your time before shooting your gun!
lots of expats 😉
If it was legal, I would be willing to bet a whole months salary that they ain't from overseas!
That bit of criminal risk-management presumes an IQ greater than about 50. It doesn’t take much to smash glass with an axe and grab the shiny stuff, and there are plenty of morons about the place who seem inclined to that sort of thing. Securing the airport also presumes the cops have an IQ greater than about 50, and the jury’s still out on that. Way out.
Glad to hear we have the plate number on the burned out lead.
This is a direct attack on the Cayman Islands and the hundreds of jobs sustained by the duty free retail industry. My heart goes out to Harry and his employees, who under very difficult economic conditions, now have to deal with this damage at the peak of the retail season.
I just hope no tourist ever gets hurt, because then we'll understand what real economic pain is.
Today numerous Wall Street Banks and Brokerage firms announced record profits in the wake of a daring daylight robbery of U.S. citizens in 2009 after they smashed their way into the U.S.Treasury Dept. The crime appears to have been an inside job with the help of Henry Paulsen then Treasury Secretary and a former broker himself. The robbers made their getaway with the help the U.S. President who was driving the getaway car. So far there have been no arrests and the thieves are still at large in their offices.. In response, President Barack Obama reduced their taxes.
I love your comment Dreadlock Holmes!
Obviously it does nothing to lesson the audacity of this jewellery heist! But you are so correct, the "little" caper that the gang you mentined has pulled off via Wall Street etc. (without Axes no less) makes this jewellery smash & grab look like penny-ante stuff.
Question is; Are the perpetrators of this Robbery going to get away like the ones from Wall street? I think the chances are better than fair that they will.
NO POLICE IN TOWN. IT is sad for yuo towalk around town in busy shopping season and there are no policemen to be seen. When there were less police in the service you could always find at lease two on foot patrol in town during the day. Knowing what has been happening here in the lsat year we should police on every corner during this busy season. This another clear case of the incompitence of the managementof the service. BANES YOU ARE USELESS AS OUR CHIEF OF POLICE.
Almost as useless as you using spellcheck…
Why is it Banes fault crime is growing so fast on Cayman? Its more like follow the leadership here on Grand Cayman. Banes and anyone else who is fighting crime is up against a large force that is well supplied with money and information. They can not win. XXXX
More excuses for Baines! He makes the command and promotion decisions, and when they produce poor results who else should be blamed?
The previous bosses in George Town always had the streets awash in officers during christmas (as a matter of fact I thought they were a part of the holiday decor) and there was never this problem. Guess they were too busy golfing or at stingray city to pay attention to a minor detail like the CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT at Christmas. George Town needs leadership.
There are police downtown but I doubt he could hear anything with the head phone stuck in all two ears. Had to pop one out to give me directions.
Get ready…next week it will be illegal for anyone to own an Axe. These thugs will be cought trying yo pawn the jewelry and then released 2 days later but then the Police will raid your home and if an axe is found you will get 12 years…its all part of the plan!
I hope the CTV is up and running or are they still waiting on planning approvals? Oh forgot, we were told this week in the papers the locations and directions the cameras are shooting..
Hey RCIP!!!
I suggest you start checking the flights departing the airport.
I'd be checking for fishing boats laden with "Christmas Gifts" heading to foreign ports
Yes. They were just hoping to sell various odd items in Honduras . . .
suitcases, and shipment by boat, they need digging down. because if it is leaving the Island that is how it is going, or the new style is not that when persons rob a place they are wwwwwWEARING THE RINGS ON THEIR FINGERS, BRACLETS ON THEIR HAND AND THE CHAINS AROUND THEIR NECK.
YES THEY ARE WEARING THEM.
Where they hatchets or axes? New or used? New? check the hardware CCTV or store clerks for recent sales. I mean how often does someone buy an axe on this island. A hatchet yes, for construction purposes. I am sure the RCIP will figure it out.
HELLO, HELLO, I do hope the police are reading these bloggs, because the public is trying to help them, which I see they need. Yes check HARDWARE STORES TO SEE IF THREE HATCHETS WERE BOUGHT RECENTLY. I am sure they were new.
People dont usually walk around with hatchets and not often you find them at home either. Come on police use your brain on this one. Read the bloggs.
Found burned out in George Town? A car can be set alight in our most populous district and the police do not know about it until after the fire extinguishes itself?
Perhaps the Police helicopter was on a mission to chase Children that fly Kites! they probably couldn't have seen the burning car, as it was likely obscured by black smoke coming from the same area(ahem) Of course, all this is said "tongue-in-cheek' as I don't even now what the police helicopters response time is! somehow I suspect the Thieves probably do know!
Did the police work in colaberation with the customs and immigration? there are lots of flights departing the airport around that time. Did they check on what vessels departed the Island?
I was talking to one of the larger store owners and they said they have installed remote gun "turrets" that pop down from the ceiling tiles. When robbers go into the store it locks down and they can pick off the robbers without risking any other injuries.
Yawn… Another day in Cayman. Only axes, not guns. No one died or is sporting new bullet holes or knife wounds. Not much of a story. Just the new Cayman sporting its new colours.
Let’s just be fair to the RCIP. The police we’re exhausted from a late night of isssuing traffic citations for expired coupons. Its tiring having to drive around in $30k plus police vehicles suited up like a US soldier in Iraq.
You can’t expect them to be tax collectors and actually be policemen at the same time. That’s not fair people.
After all the RCIPS sound bites recently, where are your own 'preventative measures'?
No effective 'Community Policing'!!
Even in our mega expensive town centre…nor in the outer districts!
Caymankind, right?
Cameras, cameras everywhere … Let’s hope we have competent people monitoring them.
Come on Commish, show your worth & earn your keep.
There is something very suspicious about this (again). Too well-executed and no police to be seen. 9-11 anyone?
I am convinced that these people are getting help from the highest echelons of power. It is my opinion. We live in a democracy where free speech is still free and I am entitled to say this.
All I can say is that those who have chosen the way of darkness and sin whatever echelon of power or secret society they belong to, have a one on one appointment with the Creator from whose eyes nothing is hid.
On that day all dark secrets will be revealed. You'd better come clean and get it off your chest now.
Its a sad day in our little Islands, God have mercy on us if this is what we have to look forward to in the future. Its time to face facts, there is others in on this, did the RCIP or I hope they will check the cruise ships as they depart, check all luggage that leaves on aircrafts or pleasure boats. AND please if some one approaches you to buy jewellry, DO NOT BUY.
i dont want to hear that its unemployment thats driving them to this either, I'm unemployed for one year now and I have no desire to stoop to this level. Lets give our assistance to the RCIP.
Just for the record, where were the police at the time this was happening? How many were working? Where? Where was the closest patrol car?….. Or are there ever patrol cars in the downtown section? How about foot patrols?
Shameful that there isnot far more foot patrol downtown at this time of year. Everybody knows that jewelry stores are prime targets. Not even necessarily for armed robbers but it has been known for cruiseship passengers to steal from stores also.
And what do you propose the police do with their batons? Throw it at the robbers and run? They have axes vs batons….
The police have acess to guns if they need them. Don't be silly.
Hopefully with all the CCTV cams they put should be able to find something.
Let's see how long it takes before our Police Commissioner makes a public statement! Now is the time to round-up all the known criminal element and interrogate them thoroughly until someone spills the beans! Remember we just passed the new law that allows us to do this. Arrest them and interrogate each and everyone male and female until someone they fesses up.. We can no longer be nice to these hardened criminals in our society!
I'M NOT HOPEFUL THOUGH, I'M AFRAID THIS TOO WILL LIKELY WIND UP IN THE UNSOLVED MYSTERY FILES!!!
I'm sorry, but don't we have RCIPS officers walking the beat downtown when cruise ships are in? If we don't we bloody well should. What a farce, if they get away with it this time, kiss the safe environmet for tourists goodbye.
Beyond a joke.
As someone who walked up on the scene just mere seconds after it happened- I have to say that the whole entire incident was done while GT was packed with local shoppers, cruise ship passengers and possibly overnight visitors. This is sad and truly mind boggling that a crime of this magnitutde can be perpertrated on one of the most heavily used streets in central GT. I have been informed that the getaway car was a gray Toyota Rav4 with a Quincentennila license plate so this should not be too hard for the RCIPS to figure out whose vehicle was used. Maybe the cctv on Harbour Drive can be reviewed too along with cameras from BNS. These ruthless, gutless and opportunistic cowards need to be put away for a long time. I am simply appalled at the lack of results being put forwward by the Police. Will it all lead to individual persons taking matters into their own hands for the cops to step up to the plate. This is sickening and not the Cayman we desire nor need!!!!
Wow… and I was shopping along Cardinal Avenue last night, and saw one police car stationed in front of Kirks. There was one store I walked by and I noticed a dark man about 6 feet in height, wearing a whitish shirt, peeping at two blonde haired young ladies going into a store, and then when they exited, he walked slowly ahead of them towards the harbor until they passed him by. I thought that was a bit strange. It didn't look like he was shopping. I was there around the hours of 6 – 8 p.m. At that time, it was night, breezy, and quiet in George Town, and the stores along Cardinal street lit up with one Police car in front of Kirks, but funny that I didn't see the Police Officer making observations along the street. I guess it is not their job to do security work. But the car was planted there for some time and I think that it detered a robbery from taking place last night. I also saw cars passing through Cardinal Avenue, driving slow and looking into the stores. I guess that is a way to shop, but I can see that the stores there, are situated at a good location for a robber to do his thing and escape by foot seeing the many routes that could be taken in town.
I guess that you are representing a lot of your fellow bloggers on this site. I hear your clearly that the police were not doing a good job because a dark man was on your street after dark and he was not slammed in to jail for being in the same area as two blonds. I am sure you would have also want the police to lock up the two nappy head dark girls who were up the street when a short white man was on the street as well. How sick you can be. You haters. maybe if you had any love for yourself you would not have the time to hate any one especially because of the color of ones skin. By the way what does the color of this man has to do with this article?
I know that there will be a lot of thumbs down for this but that is okay, it is your general hatred of people of colour that angers me. have yourself a Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year.
friend, I dont see anything on racism here
I like the fact that you learned to spell colour by the end of your post! Well done that man / woman.
I know this is insensitive – but were they wearing clothes the color of the christmas tree lights in the Brac? or red? Just hope the economy has not caused Santa to start robbing to get the presents…
I sure got a lot of thumbs down for this one!
I should have known that the lights on the Christmas Tree in the Brac represents 1/2 of the population, and red represents the other half.
But the comment about poor Santa stealing the Christmas presents – that was the most despicable part.
After all that Santa has done for us!
I should be ashamed of myself for saying that!
I suppose all this happened while the CoP and his troops were out looking for cocaine smugglers?
Only God knows why some of you people dont hush with the foolish comments. If you would really read how foolish you sound you would not open your mouth.
Not as foolish as people who post comments here in broken English. It just makes the Caymans look Third World.
When I write comments, I keep my mouth closed. There is no sound.
In jest; Well it appears that these robbers are just as shortsighted as our elected gowermint. I guess it should not be hard to spot the stolen merchandise on the Robbers' significant others soon after Christmas Day!
Why did it take over an hour for the helicopter to get off the ground. What a waste of time and money.
i heard the helicopter was in west bay and police officers were stopping cars on the west bay road. i wonder if any of those cctv camaras working
Everything is done here on "Cayman" time. what a joke this country is.
So we should just ignore the many times the helicopter saves people, helps the community? Or are you so biased that you simply cannot see the good it does?
Why are you so against the helicopter? It takes time before you can take off in any aircraft due to safety checks etc.
The helicopter (in my opinion) is one of the best things that ever happened to Cayman.
You should be more concerned about the millions lost at Cayman Airways and not how long it takes a helicopter to get airborn, maybe you think that the crew should sit in the cockpit 24 hours a day, but then again you'd probably moan that they were getting paid for it.
Keep up what your doing air unit and thank you.
(no I am not related to anyone there)
What nice memories of their Christmas cruise all of our important visitors will share today and forever. Instead of stories about stingray city, turtles and white sand beaches… the cruise ships we be a buzz with "did you see the masked robbers"? Let's find the robbers and string em' up so we can have a story to share too.
I just you all have sence to check baggages thoroughly on all out going flights. People that rob jewellerly like that here on the Island know darn well that they cannot get it disposed of on the Island. So lets see how the police, and customs use their heads. These things are packaged and sent away on boats mainly. Only talking what I heard
What's strikes me just as concerning is the very realistic possibility that "Robbery Tourism" is taking place. The amplitude of this kind of robbery in mid-day surely plays outside of the percentages of home grown oppurtunistic occurances.
wasn't the car stolen the night before?