Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
Government Senator David Nakhid is calling on commercial banks to strengthen customer security measures following a reported incident in which he believes he was followed from a financial institution before his vehicle was broken into in Cascade.
Nakhid told police he parked his black Mercedes-Benz at Simple Choice Mart around 4.15 pm on Monday. Within minutes, he returned to find the rear right-side window smashed.
Cash totalling $10,000, perfumes valued at more than $3,000, identification documents, bank cards and house keys were stolen.
He said he had just left the Royal Bank of Canada branch in Maraval and, after reviewing security footage, believes he was trailed by suspects who later targeted his vehicle.
Speaking on his way to Parliament yesterday, Nakhid said financial institutions must do more to protect customers beyond the confines of their branches.
“From my investigation, this has happened several times, especially when people bank at RBC Maraval. I think RBC Maraval needs to put some security in place, not only inside the bank, but outside to monitor cars and individuals loitering around observing customers as they leave,” he said.
“I would like to tell the banks that your security has to extend outside of the banks themselves. You have to ensure that vehicles parked outside, and persons watching customers, are properly monitored. If you have armed security, they should be patrolling the car park area,” he added.
Nakhid argued that banks have the financial capacity to expand such measures.
“You’re bringing in millions and billions in service charges and fees, so extend that service. Banks should take more responsibility to ensure those watching their customers are identified and deterred. They saw I had a bag, smashed the vehicle and took it,” he said.
He acknowledged that the incident reflects a broader crime challenge, even under the current state of emergency.
“Crime is a problem in the country, there’s no doubt about that. People will say it’s a UNC senator, but it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Nakhid said he is expecting swift action from law enforcement.
“We have CCTV footage, I saw it myself. We also have an eyewitness, so I expect the perpetrators will be apprehended. I’ve always said I’m willing to give the shirt off my back in charity for disadvantaged people, but I do not accept being violated. I see this as a violation, and I want to see these people apprehended,” he said.
Guardian Media contacted Managing Director of the Royal Bank of Canada, Marc Jardine, but he declined to comment.
Efforts were also made to obtain a response from the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago, but none was received up to press time.
