'Schoolboy' bandits strike, workers beaten, $80k in cash stolen in Price Plaza robbery

Despite a harrowing robbery, the management and staff of Plus Size Exclusive in Chaguanas opened their doors for business on October 23.

The decision came the day after two bandits dressed in school uniforms attacked two female workers in the robbery.

A representative from the business told Newsday on October 23 that they refuse to be intimidated as they rely on the business for survival.

“The bandits would not intimidate us. We have a business to run at the end of the day. We depend on this business to survive, to eat,” the representative said.

“This (robbery) was strange. It was unusual. Crime is out of hand in this country, and there are too many young people engaging in criminal activities. There must be a reason for it. Maybe it is because of frustration, or they cannot get jobs, but those are no reasons to rob and thief from people.”

The representative, who spoke on behalf of the business, asked that names not be used, fearful the bandits could strike again.

Without giving details, the representative believes that small businesses are targeted.

“Why is it that the small businesses, the small people are being attacked? Why the small people, the people who are struggling in life?”

The robbery happened around 11.30 am on October 22.

The two women, 38 and 46, were working in the store at Price Plaza in Endeavour when two men walked in and accosted the two.

The men wore matching clothing— long khaki pants and white school shirts with a light green logo on the pocket.

There were no other workers or customers in the store.

The men, who were unmasked, announced a robbery and ordered the women to the lunchroom area at the back of the store, where the employees stow their handbags.

There, the men dealt the women several blows.

The men also demanded that they hand over their money and valuables and the women complied.

Using pieces of fabric, the men tied the victims' hands and feet.

The bandits robbed one of the women of $2,500 and a cellphone worth $2,500. They also stole $80,000, an undisclosed amount of gold jewellery, two passports and a national identification card. The bandits, both of African descent, then walked out.

During the ordeal, which lasted several minutes, one of the bandits allegedly remarked, “This is a setup.”

The sales clerks managed to untie themselves and alerted people nearby and the police. The initial responders were WPC Baptiste and PC Rampersad of the Central Division.

The store has been open for 24 years and was never robbed before.

“It happened in broad daylight with no customers around. No one was expecting bandits when they were working to make an honest dollar,” the representative said.

While the staff remain confused about why they were specifically targeted, they suspect envy may have played a role.

“Some people are just envious and do not like seeing others strive. Envy is a crime. There also seems to be a lot of animosity and hatred among people in the country.

“People must unite. We need to forget about race and stand together as one family. I believe many leaders are dividing the country, which should not be. We are like children without parents and everyone has to see about oneself.”

Nearby stores were unaware of the robbery until the victims alerted them. By that time, the bandits had already left.

A worker from a nearby store told Newsday they did not notice anything strange at the time of the robbery.

Newsday learnt that police investigators revisited the store on October 23.

However, the stolen items were not recovered, and the suspects remained at large. WPC Baptiste is leading the investigation.

Chamber head: Cops must act as businesses under siege

President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce Baldath Maharaj said the chamber was outraged by the brazen daylight robbery and fully supports a call from business owners for a march against crime.

"We will not stand idly by while businesses are under siege. The livelihoods of thousands depend on swift and effective action."

Maharaj described the robbery as a "shocking escalation of violent crime.

"This blatant disregard for law and order has shaken the business community, and it is clear that the current approach to addressing crime is failing."

He said the chamber wants swift justice for the victims of this robbery.

Saying the time for talking is over, Maharaj added, "However, what is even more disheartening is the response from certain authorities. Instead of offering real solutions, some officials have irresponsibly used parliamentary privilege to shift blame onto the population and the opposition.

"This behaviour is an insult to the citizens and businesses who are already struggling with the impact of rampant crime."

Maharaj said regular tactics are no longer enough and the chamber "demands a significant shift in strategy from law enforcement.

"We need the TT Police Service (TTPS) to implement disruptive, decisive actions that can restore safety and confidence in the business community.

"It is time to move beyond empty promises and deliver measurable results. The business community is demanding specific numerical targets for crime reduction in commercial areas, particularly Chaguanas, and accountability from those in charge."

He said the upcoming holiday season is a critical time for businesses and without immediate intervention, there is a risk for "further devastation.

"We call for increased patrols, advanced surveillance systems, and a comprehensive, data-driven approach to crime prevention in high-traffic areas like Price Plaza."