Across
the island crimes are being pulled off in no small part because so many of us
are now wearing masks.
Criminals
are exploiting the social acceptance of face masks due to the coronavirus in
order to stage a series of armed robberies on the island.
Last
week, two men, both wearing a mask, robbed our Monchy store at gunpoint and
made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and items.
|
Caught in the Act |
The
criminals were caught on the store’s security cameras during the act. Mr Rayneau Gajadhar, Managing Director of the company made no bones about it as he issued
some stern warning to the robbers.“…….. I
think the people who did this must have realized they made a BIG MISTAKE
entering my premises.”
He
continued, “…...they and their family
should be concerned about what they did, but I am not concerned.”
The
incident went viral on social media where commentaries seem to suggest that
these two robbers did indeed make a big “fopar” by robbing Rayneau. At the time of penning
this article both robbers were already in police custody.
It's
horrible, I mean, you know we have to take certain measures because of what's
happening with COVID-19, but it's the perfect script or manual for a robber —
the mask, the sunshade, and a hoodie.
"I
guess it's the norm,” an officer, with the Choiseul Police, remarked. "So we're seeing more and more suspects wearing
the mask and using that to their benefit." He added.
While
most stores now require masks for entry amid the coronavirus pandemic, store
should be asking all customers to briefly lower their face coverings before
coming inside.
Suggestions for the upcoming holiday season:
1 - Retail stores need a lock system on their
doors. If a person wants to come into the store, they have to show their face
on camera for security.
2 - Prepare marked money. Record non-consecutive
serial numbers and series dates of five and ten-dollar bills. These bills must
not be used in normal transactions; rather place the money in a till to be
included in the money given to the robber. Keep the record of the marked bills
in a secure location other than the till or the safe.
We're
going through the pandemic; it is what it is, that we have to wear the masks.
But for people to take advantage and to rob and steal, it's not right.
Pay us a visit at our Corinth (450-7247) Monchy (450-7248) Vide Bouteille (450-7246) or Babonneau (450-5759) branch. Visit our site for a wide range of products and services. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We’re always happy to serve you #ShopRayneau #EverythingUnderOneRoof