Villagers chase, corner bandits in Debe casino

Villagers on Thursday night chased and cornered two robbers suspected of a string of robberies in Debe. The suspects, a man and a woman, spent more than half-an-hour hiding inside Casino 2011, Wellington Road, Debe, before they were flushed out by police. As they were led out of the casino in handcuffs, villagers gathered to watch.

Many said they had been victims of robberies over the past few months and were happy the police had responded swiftly. Recalling the incident, a resident, who requested anonymity, said a woman and her male accomplice went to Pawan General Traders, SS Erin Road, and attempted to rob it. However, a witness saw the duo and raised an alarm.

He added: “My uncle quickly started calling for help. They started to run when they saw us. “The community, which has a neighbourhood watch, quickly mobilised and several youths, who were liming at the corner, chased the thieves.” A report said the male suspect, who wore a Rasta hairstyle, ran into the casino with the woman close behind.   

By then a call had been made to the Barrackpore Police Station and officers, led by Cpl Ramjit and PC Dabideen, responded. Calls also were made to the Debe Police Station and the San Fernando CID. Within minutes, officers had surrounded the casino and held the suspects. Investigators said the duo fitted descriptions of two people who robbed a restaurant on the SS Erin Road.

Police said they have boosted patrols at Wellington Road and the SS Erin Road since the robberies. Last week, 63-year-old Atwaroo Toophanie was chopped to death and his 87-year-old mother, Jean Toophanie, beaten by robbers who stormed their home at Rochard Douglas Road, Barrackpore.

Since the robberies police have warned residents to lock their doors and to be careful when returning home at nights. The suspects are expected to appear in several identification parades today.