More security for empty houses after string of burglaries

Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal is planning to hire more security officers at HDC sites following a string of burglaries at the Golconda Estates. The latest burglary occurred at Ridgewood Gardens, between 1 pm on New Year’s Day and 6 am yesterday. Police said the thieves ripped through the door leading to the bathroom and stole over $12,000 worth of power tools from contractor Anthony Sutherland.

Sutherland said he secured the tools in the bathroom around 1 pm on New Year’s Day after completing some welding works at a house. When he returned around 6 am yesterday, he discovered the welding plant, chop saws and electric drills missing. Officers dusted the door for fingerprints but were unable to retrieve any. Sutherland said he did not know what to do.  “Right now I just pacing up and down. I frustrated. I wish that someone could assist me in getting back my tools,” Sutherland said.

The contractor, who is hired by main contractor TN Ramnath, had been working throughout the Christmas season, preparing 35 houses for distribution. Meanwhile, sources at the site said that was the fourth burglary at the site. Thieves, they said, had been breaking through the ceiling and doors of the houses, stealing bathroom fixtures, cupboards and other valuables. Even though security officers were on the site, the burglaries continued. Yesterday, Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal said he intended to hire additional security officers to man the GHDC sites.

He said: “It is regrettable that we must now spend more money on guarding empty houses. Those units cannot be distributed as a result of the inefficiencies of the former administration. “Many of these units are in need of repairs. The estates are in need of infrastructural work so we cannot distribute homes so we have no choice but to provide security guards at the taxpayers expense.” Already, Moonilal said $20 million was being spent annually on 20 HDC estates. The minister also said he hoped to speak with senior police officers to discuss security arrangements in the Oropouche East constituency, especially within the HDC settlements.