ARMED robberies are an everyday occurrence in Guyana, and the attendant evils that might await the victims are even more appalling.
Though we’ve witnessed many such incidents in the past week, I however, wish to comment on just one of them, and that is the robbery at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.
The shop-owner gave the horrifying details of having to stare down the barrel of a gun while robbers ransacked her home. They later made good their escape with a sizeable booty.
Now, this is the point I would like to drive home to my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters out there: Be aware of your surroundings.
The moment that lady saw (in particular) those strange men in her neighbourhood, she should have refused to sell them and call the police. In so doing, a roadblock could have been set up, and the men apprehended. Gone are the days when Guyanese could afford the luxury of being ‘accommodating’ of strangers in our midst; the naiveté of bygone days simply does not exist in Guyana anymore.
We have a responsibility to become neighbourhood watchers ourselves, if we are to curb this crime spree, and in the event save our lives. Another tip that can be used to fight crime is the need to start getting into the habit of memorising number plates of vehicles we get into when travelling, as well as those that turn up from time to time in our communities for such nefarious activities. This will go a far way in bringing down the crime statistics.