Daring bank robbery near police station

Three armed bandits stormed into the Couva branch of First Citizens Bank, located metres away from the Couva Police Station, held up three tellers and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police Supt Keith Farrel, who was a customer in the bank at the time and who witnessed the robbery, drew his gun and attempted to fire at the bandits but ended up shooting himself in the right hand. He was treated at the Couva Health Centre and discharged. yesterday, the three tellers, who were shaken up over the incident, were being treated for shock. The men entered the bank around 1 pm, while more than 20 customers were in the bank. Reports revealed that the gunmen jumped over three counters while the unarmed guard looked on helplessly. Another guard, who was armed, was on duty at the back of the building.

The tellers were ordered to hand over cash which they placed into bags. The gunmen ordered everyone in the bank to lie on the ground. They then walked out of the bank, ran to the back of the building along Grant Street, Couva, where they boarded a waiting car. Officers of the E-999, the Couva Police and the Central Division Robbery Squad responded. The car with the three suspects was pursued in Couva but the occupants escaped. A party of officers led by Inspectors Raphael and Quash, Sgts Housend and Burke and Ag Sgt Persad went to the scene and fingerprint experts were able to lift prints. Police officers seized a surveillance tape from a security camera at the bank. Arrests are imminent. Yesterday, an audit was carried out to determine how much money was stolen in the robbery. The bank was closed for business after the robbery and is expected to re-open today. Newsday learnt that senior FCB managers visited the bank late yesterday and the security at the bank is expected to be reviewed.