Bandits creating havoc at Vreed-en-Hoop …several businesses targeted over the past few weeks

Residents and business owners in and around Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) are living in fear following an ongoing spate of robbery attacks with excessive violence.

Police on Tuesday confirmed that two bandits invaded the Players Bar at Crane Old Road, WCD, earlier that day around 09:00h and reportedly stole $150,000 in cash from the business before making their escape on two red CG motorcycles.

The female shopkeeper related that she attempted to escape, but she fell and was then grabbed by the bandits who made threats on her life. The proprietors were not present at the time of the brazen attack.

The shopkeeper, who is also a mother of one, added that it was only last week Sunday (September 18) that four bandits, two of whom were armed with guns, stormed the same bar. She said on that occasion her gold chain and mobile phone were also stolen. The sum of $35,000 in cash was also stolen during the first robbery.

The shopkeeper explained that even though she fears for her life she still has to work in order to support her child.

Meanwhile, about 14:00h on Monday, Digicel’s Vreed-en-Hoop outlet was robbed by three gunmen, who escaped with the company’s mobile phones. Reports indicate that the men fled in a white Toyota Allion which was parked outside the establishment.

INews understands that the men had pretended to be customers before pulling their weapons on a customer and staff, who they robbed of their valuables.

Several other businesses were targeted over the past few weeks where bandits managed to terrorise the owners and escape with cash and valuables.

Shopkeepers in nearby establishments expressed great fear in conducting their business operations, with some even claiming that Police would sometimes be slow to respond to reports of such crimes.

Police investigations into all of the robberies are continuing.