Bank card thief jailed for 18 months

A 31-year-old unemployed Cunupia man, who stole a Royal Bank ATM card and went on an $18,000 shopping spree between December 18 and Wednesday, was arrested at Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas, while purchasing clothing at a store. He was promptly arrested and taken to the Chaguanas CID where he was charged by PC Dane James. Rajan Basdeo, of Welcome Road, Cunupia, reportedly went to the Royal Bank ATM machine on December 18, where he stole the bank card belonging to retiree Oswald Blackman. Blackman made a report of the larceny to the San Juan Police and Royal Bank.

Reports revealed that Basdeo used the bank card to purchase groceries, bicycles, clothing and a stove. All the transactions were carried out in Chaguanas. Newsday learnt that Royal Bank contacted the Chaguanas Police and alerted them of the transaction in progress at Mid Centre Mall. A party of officers led by Cpl Balchan Salick, PCs Dane James and Kirt Sheppard went to the mall where they arrested the man. When he appeared before Chaguanas Magistrate Harry Persad, the accused was sentenced to 18 months hard labour. Basdeo told the court that he fell into temptation, and with Christmas in the air, he decided to make use of the card. When he was sentenced to a prison term, Basdeo appeared shock. Police investigators told Newsday that Basdeo has matters pending in court for similar offences. Investigators advised the public that persons are lining up at ATM machines posing as customers. They monitor the pin numbers of selected persons, then switch the bank cards with dummy cards.