Calls are being made for the police to boost patrols at Hardbargain Village, Williamsville, after an elderly couple was beaten during a home invasion.
Police said Zoria Baksh, 60, and her husband Kamal Baksh, 68, of Riversdale Village, Hardbargain, both suffered injuries after they were beaten on the head by two intruders, around 6:20 pm on Wednesday.
Kamal is the proprietor of Caps Bar and police believe the three bandits might have been monitoring him before the attack. Police say the men may have waited until his bar was closed before attempting to rob him at his home.
Guardian Media understands the house was open when the robbers—described as slim-built, and wearing black masks and dark coveralls—came into the house and held down Zoria. She began screaming and one of the bandits started hitting her on the head.
However, Kamal, who was at the back of the house, came to her rescue. The other robber who was carrying a baton struck him on the head. A third robber stood watch outside the house.
As passers-by and neighbours came out, all three intruders fled through some bushes on the southern side of the house.
A witness who requested anonymity told Guardian Media that the police took more than half-hour to respond. By then the suspects had already fled. The couple was taken for medical treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Officers of the Southern Division Task Force, Princes Town Police, Princes Town CID and Municipal Police all responded.
However, the source said villagers are now afraid because of the increase in home invasions in the Princes Town and Williamsville areas.
"We are calling for more patrols because there are too many exit routes out of this area, so in case there is a robbery, the thieves can flee through Poona, Esmeralda, Mayo, Piparo or even New Grant. This is not a one-way in and out. It means we are more vulnerable to attacks, so we need more patrols," the source explained.
PC Jugoon of the Princes Town police station is continuing investigations.