Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
Almost one week after a woman and her daughter were kidnapped from their Andalusia Drive, Maraval home, residents in the neighbourhood said yesterday that they are still fearful for their safety.
Last Friday morning, Petrina Hernandez, 48, and her 19-year-old daughter, Amelia Roberts, were at home when several men stormed in and forced them into a car before driving off.
Investigators said the family’s dog was poisoned.
Three vehicles, a brown Hyundai Tucson, a silver Toyota Yaris and a black Nissan Cefiro were also stolen from the home. The vehicles were later found near the St Barbs Basketball Court.
A ransom in US currency was believed to have been demanded for their release.
Hours after their kidnapping, both women were found walking along the Lady Young Road in Morvant.
Up to yesterday afternoon, however, police said no arrests had been made.
Guardian Media visited the neighbourhood yesterday but few residents were at home. Even fewer were willing to speak on the matter.
One woman who asked not to be named said the community was usually very quiet, but noted that the recent kidnapping of the women had shattered the sense of safety among residents. She said most people were still puzzled over how the kidnappers were able to access the home.
“We’re still very paranoid right now. It’s not the kind of thing you want to hear happening to your neighbours.
“When you came to the gate and all I had to (do was) look at you from a distance before coming close,” she said.
Another man claimed he did not even know there was a kidnapping in the neighbourhood.
“That’s news to me,” he said before walking back inside when approached.
A shopkeeper who owns and operates a shop on Saddle Road, just off Andalusia Drive, said residents were afraid following the kidnapping.
He said while neighbours were happy that Hernandez and Roberts were found alive and in generally good health, they were not feeling safe.
He said while the kidnapping itself was a shock, he admitted there was an uptick in robberies in and around Maraval and hoped an increased police presence would be enough to quell further crimes.
“I hear how they (the residents) talk and they are all very shaky when they come to buy stuff. It’s not a nice situation, but there has been a few robberies in Maraval lately. Usually, it’s people who the bandits follow from the bank and when they are coming home,” he said.
Officers of the Western Division are assisting the Anti Kidnapping Unit (AKU) in its enquiries.
Senior police said they were taking the investigation seriously and considering all angles but refused to divulge what leads they had.
