Concern grows over Port of Spain safety amid robberies

Business owners and shoppers in Port of Spain have voiced growing concern over safety after a series of recent robberies, including an attack last Friday on a US resident who was robbed of cash and her phone. A video of the robbery went viral on social media.

Robbie Wendell, a street vendor on the corner of Queen and Frederick Street, expressed frustration, saying, "It took the police too long to come. As soon as those fellas attacked the woman, they should have been here.

"I don't feel safe in Port of Spain, but I know how to handle myself."

He urged the public to be vigilant when visiting the capital.

Jordan Hackett, a cashier at Bang Bang clothing store on Frederick Street, felt the same. Hackett stressed the need for an increased police presence and vigilance among shoppers and tourists, saying, "It's not safe in town; more policing is needed. If people are coming to Port of Spain, they need to pay attention to their surroundings."

Rochelle Stewart, a single mother who was shopping, emphasised the need for stricter punishments for criminals, saying, "I'm working too hard for my money, and things are so expensive people can't even shop in peace."

She also highlighted the robbery last Friday of a woman police constable, whose gold chain was snatched on Independence Square.

"Not even police safe in this place."

A man on Henry Street, who identified himself only as Brewster, said, "We can't keep up with this – nobody would want to come here just now, not even for Carnival. Crime all over, not just in Port of Spain: people are not safe.

"My advice is to keep yourself home and save your money."

Brewster also questioned the country's ability to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors.

Staff at businesses on Charlotte Street were cautious about speaking to Newsday because of fears of gang-related reprisals. Stephen Lin, owner of Ronald Lin, however, did speak to us on the record, saying there is an urgent need for functioning surveillance cameras and that he himself had fallen victim to a robbery in July that remains unsolved.

"People don't feel safe. Christmas is coming soon and town is full of crime. How could people feel safe shopping here? We need more police, and we need them on a permanent basis."

Sharon Daniel, a vegetable vendor on Charlotte Street for over 20 years, shared Lin's concerns for the Christmas season and personal safety. She urged people to be careful of their surroundings when visiting Port of Spain because of the lack of police protection. Asked about her own safety, she said, "I am a praying woman. I does mind my business and I does keep my mouth hush. Is years now I out here, I fear God and I know how to mind my business.

"Right now, at this rate, I don't know how Christmas looking, I hoping for a better Christmas season, because last year was terrible. This crime rate ain't helping."

Wishing only to be identified as Pauline, another store owner on Charlotte Street called for a more extensive police presence. She emphasised the necessity of a safer environment, particularly during the holiday season, to ensure that people feel secure when coming to spend their money.

"I here from Sunday to Sunday trying to make an honest dollar.

"I move with God. I really want to see more police. What they have out here on the street is not enough – by 5 pm the police like they stop work," she said.

Newsday visited the Port of Spain City Police on Wednesday and spoke to acting Insp Faheed Mohammed, who empathised with the concerns

"I know that people are fearful and I understand, but I want citizens to know we are currently in meetings with the army and other stakeholders of national security to continue putting measures in place to safeguard shoppers and vendors in the capital."

While Mohammed did not go into much detail about the meetings, he did say a further increase in joint police and army patrols in the capital and surrounding areas can be expected as early as Friday. He also said the wrecking service will be reintroduced to aid with traffic congestion.

Mohammed urged the public to be vigilant not only in Port of Spain but wherever they go. "Be aware if you're leaving the bank with a large sum of cash, and if you're able to have a driver pick you up and take you back, do that. If you're shopping, avoid cash – use card. And if you are parking your car, ensure all items are hidden away to avoid your vehicle being robbed. We all need to play our part."

Asked about rumours of a gang terrorising vendors, he opted not to comment.