Cops to beef up Providence security due to attacks by gang after CPL games
Following numerous reports of persons being robbed by a gang of armed robbers near the Providence Stadium after last Friday night’s cricket match, extra security will be patrolling in and around the area today, ‘A’ Division Commander Marlon Chapman has said. The increase in security is to ensure the safety of persons who will be attending this afternoon’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match, which is the final one being hosted in Guyana. Chapman revealed that a number of persons have reported robberies, committed by a group of armed robbers, around the area. As a result, he said, patrol officers will be placed in and outside of the National Stadium to ensure a “safe and robbers-free” environment.
Yesterday morning, Kishan and Vickram Rameshwar of West Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara, along with their cousin, Trisha Persaud, 26, of Annandale, were robbed of more than half a million in valuables. Two other persons, who were walking behind the trio, were also robbed.
According to Kishan, 20, at approximately 1 am, he and the others were making their way to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, where a car was waiting to pick them up. He said that just after they passed the Ramada Princess Hotel and were heading over the bridge near Nandy Park, they were approached by 10 men, who all appeared to be in their 20s. The men, who were armed with knives, subsequently attacked the trio and two other persons who were walking behind them.
While the men were relieving them of their articles, Kishan said the group began shouting for help. “We shouted for help and it was a very busy area but nobody would try to assist us,” he noted.
Kishan said that he attempted to resist the robbers but they just lifted him and tossed him onto the road. “They took everything from me, including my phone, money and documents,” he lamented.
He said that the robbers took a total of $130,000 in cash from the three of them and their cellphones valued $240,000, $60,000 and $80,000. In addition to that, the gang took their wallets which had their Identification Cards, bank cards and licences. Kishan said that he sustained minor injuries to his left hand and back.
In addition, he said, when he went to lodge a report yesterday, he was told by ranks at the Providence Police Station that they had received numerous reports of persons being robbed by the same gang.
