Alfonso robbed of $10,000 bracelet

Former National Security Minister, Brigadier General Carl Alfonso was robbed of his $10,000 bracelet by a youngster while Alfonso sat in his car which was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on Wednesday afternoon.

However, quick action by Besson Street police led to the recovery of Alfonso’s bracelet in a grassy area in Bazilon Street.

Yesterday, Alfonso expressed relief and thanked the police for recovering his jewellery adding that he was left with minor scratches on his left hand which was left after he fought with the bandit.

Alfonso, who was national security minister for seven months in 2015, said that at about 3.30 pm on Wednesday, he was in his car west along Piccadilly Street in Port of Spain in traffic, when on nearing Duke Street, he was accosted by a man who appeared to be in his late teens.

“I was taken by surprise because I was concentrating on the traffic and I did not expect this. The thing that amazed me is that we struggled for about two minutes and in that time, people looked on and no one intervened,” Alfonso said. The bandit was able to snatch the heavy gold ‘bera’ from Alfonso’s wrist and ran.

“Alfonso went to the police station and spoke to Sgt Austin. Officers took Alfonso to Bazilon Street where several men were interrogated.

“The officers later went to a bushy area along that street and Alfonso’s bracelet was found.

“I wish to publicly commend the police for their professionalism, quick response and the manner in which they handled my report,” Alfonso said.