Police asked to analyse auto theft incidents during major events

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been tasked with analysing whether there is an increase in auto theft or theft of auto parts during major events.

According to GINA, this instruction came from Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan who said he found it “strange” that there seems to be a spike in auto thefts during major events especially when they are held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

“It is so strange that in that high kind of activity area, with so many policemen, there have been allegations of cars being stolen, and I’ve asked for an analysis,” Ramjattan said.

At the CPL 20/20 cricket hosted over the weekend at the National Stadium, it is alleged that several vehicles were broken into during the matches and their stereos, other valuables and even batteries stolen.

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken was quoted by GINA as saying that he was not aware of any increase in reporting of incidents of stolen vehicles.  Hicken, however pointed out that the police were able to thwart two separate attempted car “break-ins” during last Sunday’s cricket match at the National Stadium.

According to GINA, Commander Hicken advised that persons attending major events park within the designated areas that are usually announced before the event. Motorists are also advised to go the events early so that they can park their vehicles in a suitably safe location. Alternatively, patrons can make arrangements to be dropped off and collected by fellow drivers, at the end of the event, if they are uncomfortable with the parking facilities provided.