Port-of-Spain police have detained two men they believe are part of a car stealing ring that has been operating in the capital city.The men, aged 25 and 26, of Cocorite and Petit Valley respectively, were arrested on Saturday while attempting to break into a parked car along Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. They will be placed on identification parades today, as they are wanted in connection with the larceny of motor vehicles in the Port-of-Spain area.
Police said over the past weeks they have been receiving reports of a suspicious black X-Trail van moving around the capital which was linked to several car break-ins. That vehicle was seized on Saturday when officers arrested the two suspects.
Police reports state that around 3.30 am, constables Bartlett and Ryan were on mobile patrol along Wrightson Road, near the Breakfast Shed, when they saw two men trying to force open the door of a parked vehicle. The officers confronted the men and they began to run. The officers chased the men and held them a short distance away.
After returning to the initial scene, the officers discovered six vehicles with their windows smashed and the vehicles ransacked. The vehicles belonged to patrons who were on a boat cruise, which ran between midnight and 4 am.Officers recovered a sledge hammer which the men were using to smash the windows. They also seized a black garbage bag containing wallets and other valuables. The men were arrested and taken to police headquarters.
Officers are now asking car owners whose vehicles were broken into to come forward.The Police Service information officer, acting Inspector Wayne Mystar, yesterday advised partygoers to park in designated and secure parking areas to avoid break-ins."In addition, we are asking members of the public to avoid leaving valuable items in vehicles in full view such as laptops and cell phones. We are also advising members of the public to travel in groups during the Carnival season," he said.