Ameen: St Augustine residents struggling with rise in crime

Senior Reporter

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Senior police officers have confirmed there has been an increase in robberies, home invasions, and shootings in St Augustine South, Pasea and Orange Grove Road.

Their confirmation came hours after the St Augustine MP issued a news release revealing that residents and business owners in these areas are struggling with an alarming rise in criminal activities, including extortion, robberies, shootings, and home invasions.

MP Khadijah Ameen added that these areas have become crime hotspots, with bandits taking advantage of easy escape routes via the highway.

Ameen said she recently visited several affected families, who told her that the communities are experiencing a wave of business closures, with some residents considering migrating due to safety concerns. The MP claimed that despite increased police patrols, current measures have proven insufficient.

Ameen said that criminals are extorting business owners, demanding exorbitant sums of money. She explained those who refuse face violent consequences, including shootings and threats of kidnapping or murder. Many of these businesses are family-operated and employ local residents, who are now facing unemployment.

Ameen also noted that some business owners have been waiting years for Firearm User Licences and are urging authorities to expedite these approvals so they can lawfully protect their families.

The MP also took issue with what she called the jurisdictional confusion between the Tunapuna and St Joseph police stations. She lamented that victims often face critical delays as they are redirected between stations, which in turn allows criminals to escape.

Ameen said that “overwhelmed” residents are also considering hiring private security firms for patrols, but admitted that would lead to a substantial financial burden on them and their businesses, further straining community resources.

Yesterday, senior police officers admitted there has been an uptick in robberies, home invasions, and shootings but assured that they are doing everything in their power to restore safety and security in the affected communities.