Disturbing trend of robberies in central Georgetown

Dear Editor,
There is a very disturbing trend of robberies in central Georgetown, particularly in the evenings by what appears to be a well-organised gang of young men.
On the evening of Thursday, November 16, 2018, persons were robbed in the vicinity of the Route 44 bus park, as well as the Stabroek area close to Demico. The known incidents took place just after 20:00h. This follows the observation of similar incidents by some persons who resorted to sharing their horrifying experiences on social media.
The method employed, involves a snatcher, who snatches the victim’s possessions, then runs away, followed by a group of 5-10 young men. The snatcher’s followers would pretend to be public spirited citizens running to catch him, shouting “catch him”. The gang would subsequently regroup after the snatcher would have covered a safe distance. This gang, which is said to be known, continues to operate with unfettered boldness. They seem to prefer the most populated bus parks, such as routes 40, 44, 45 and 48; their targets being mainly unsuspecting passengers with earpieces/ headsets on, persons with bags, and the feeble. Even when there is police presence around Stabroek Square, the gang’s numbers alone seem to be a discouragement for the one or two unarmed police traffic ranks to intervene.
The gang operates at all hours, but prevails at night because of inadequate lighting around the areas close to bus parks, making it particularly challenging for victims or even some witnesses to provide reports with clarity of their identity to police.
Stabroek Market is iconic, and an insignia of Guyana’s capital city – Georgetown. It has been advertised internationally in tourist documentaries, magazines and other media. The area surrounding it is a hub, where workers, merchants, students, visitors and others transit by their hundreds on a daily basis.
How then does this area continue to be the most unsafe place for persons to traverse? Even more ironic, is its proximity to the Ministry of Public Security and the main precinct, Brickdam Police Station.
I wish to make it categorically clear that this issue is not being highlighted with any political motive whatsoever. Rather, it seeks to obtain relief and safety for the well-being of all citizens, as well as prevent further distortion to the image of this country.
The relevant authorities are therefore urged to properly illuminate and purge the areas mentioned of all unwelcome and criminal elements. They are further encouraged to maintain active police patrols and presence on a 24-hour basis. Such moves will not only deter criminal elements, but increase safety and rebuild public trust towards our security sector.

Sincerely,
Orette Cutting