Cops carry out special surveillance

A quantity of ammunition concealed in a plastic bag was discovered at Pennywise Cosmetics in Chaguanas early yesterday. Police investigators believe that the bag was accidently left in the store by a man who went to the store to purchase a few items. According to reports, around 9.30 am Dyanand Persad, the General Manager was alerted by a cashier who discovered the bag containing the ammunition. Several customers of the store also gathered around the bag and tried to catch a glimpse of the 9 mm ammunition. Officers of the Chaguanas CID were contacted and a party of officers led by Ag Sgt Ajith Persad, and including PCs Singh, Francis and King went to the scene and examined the bag containing the ammunition. Newsday learnt that a description of the man who left the bag in the store was given to the police.

As a result of the ammunition find, closer scrutiny was paid to all business places in Central which remained open for business all of yesterday. Members of the business community were also advised to exercise the necessary precaution when handling large amounts of cash for the Christmas season. Special surveillance was also carried out at various jewel shops which have been the target of bandits within recent times. The same officers who were handed the ammunition carried out special patrols in the borough yesterday and these patrols will continue until the end of the year. Senior police officers told Newsday that they intend to ensure that the borough is properly manned by the police and crime is kept to a minimum there. Chaguanas attracts the most shoppers for the country and the business community opened for business on Sundays and late at nights. Fifty Special Reserve Police officers have been added to the strength in Central Division to carry out round the clock patrols.