Security guard detained in $620,000 robbery

A 33-year-old security guard of Crown Trace, Enterprise was held by members of the Port-of-Spain CID on Monday after a $620,000 robbery at the Excellent Stores branch of Western Union early Monday.

The guard remained in custody up until yesterday and investigators were hoping to secure a statement from him.

Police said at about 1:30 am on Monday, burglars entered the building at Chacon Street, Port-of-Spain by cutting a hole in the roof on the eastern side.

The guard, who was on duty, claimed he was held up at gunpoint by the burglars who then used a blow torch to cut away a vault belonging to Western Union. The men allegedly removed $620,000 which was in the vault and then allegedly took the guard into their custody. He claimed he was dropped off in the Central area and he made a report to the police. Sergeant Anthony Williams interviewed the guard and later detained him.

Two other people from Laventille were also held but released pending further investigations. Police are hoping to secure camera footage to assist them in identifying the suspects.

They are expected to approach the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for directions. Yesterday Assistant Commissioner of Police Irwin Hackshaw and Superintendent Ajith Persad met Williams and reviewed the progress of the investigation.