Chamber boss: Couva cops need more resources to fight crime

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Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce president Mukesh Ramsingh says officers attached to the Couva Police Station need more equipment to help them fight crime in the community.

Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Ramsingh said crime is again on the upswing in Central and the officers will need more equipment if they are to bring it back to controllable levels.

“More police patrols are needed throughout the division. However, police are strapped for resources and the crime prevention infrastructure is not always working,” Ramsingh said.

“Last week, bandits made off with more than $30,000 worth of galvanised roofing sheets when they robbed the construction site of the Old Mac Agro parboiled rice mill at Milton, Couva. This crime took place last Tuesday and Thursday, when the victim, Mr Liaquat Ali, the CEO of Old Mac, made a report on Friday, he was told that the cameras at the nearby traffic lights were not working.”

He added, “There is a low detection rate for crime in T&T. Police seem to have some difficulty in solving crime and this may stem from their lack of resources. Judicial changes are also necessary. Bail should not be granted for gun-related crimes, some bandits come out on bail and go out there and commit crimes to pay their lawyer fees. Young people are afraid to become entrepreneurs.”

Ramsingh said while businessmen can be vigilant and some may have the funds to hire private security, a strong police presence is still needed to deter crime.

He also said he expects bandits to start targeting construction sites because of the skyrocketing cost of steel, steel products and building materials. He said the cost of shipping has also escalated from $3,000 in 2020 to just over $22,000, causing a price increase in all commodities, adding he does not expect any drop in shipping prices until 2024.