radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Residents of Debe have been grappling with a series of robberies and home invasions in recent times, with the latest taking place in the early hours of Monday morning, along Debe Trace.
Investigators say around 2:45 am, three masked assailants forcibly opened a window of a residence and entered the living room. The targeted house belongs to Molly Deokinanan, 77, who is also the proprietor of the well-known Checkers Service Station, situated at Debe Trace.
Recounting her terrifying ordeal to law enforcement officers, Deokinanan said she was at home with Anand Lakhan, aged 58, when they were abruptly awoken by a loud noise.
Deokinanan investigated, only to be confronted by the intruders, who were wearing dark-coloured clothing hats, and masks.
One of the robbers swiftly seized Deokinanan's prized possession—a gold Bera valued at $1,000, along with an iPhone 7 worth $2,000, and the keys to her business establishment. They then grabbed a black wallet containing $2,100 in cash, two gold rings valued at $5,000, and three watches from her nightstand before making their escape through a window on the northern side of the house.
Immediately after the incident, Deokinanan contacted the police, and a team of officers led by Cpl Dhuram visited. With the assistance of WPC Harripersad and WPC Charles, they lifted several fingerprints from the crime scene and obtained crucial footage from the property's CCTV system.
Investigators said arrests are imminent.
Over the past year, several home invasions have occurred, and residents have been taking additional precautions such as camera installations, guard dogs and community patrols. There also has been the establishment of community watch groups.
Anyone with information on the burglary can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.