Husband and wife extort business owner 134 times
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) has stepped up efforts to eliminate the extortion of private citizens and business owners by criminal elements.
Senior Superintendent in the North Central Division Richard Smith made the comment yesterday, as he noted that in one case they had dealt with, a couple extorted a business owner 134 times. However, he said the TTPS was seeing some success in curbing the activity.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Ministry of National Security, Port-of-Spain, Smith explained just how they were going about eradicating this particular crime, which was defined as demanding money by menace. He said when funds switch hands, this was now being referred to as a robbery.
In 2022, Smith said a total of 16 reports of demanding money by menace were received, of which seven were solved and persons arrested.
While the number of reports ballooned to 162 in 2023, Smith shocked the nation as he revealed, “One hundred and thirty-four of these reports were committed by two persons. A husband and wife team that extorted money from one victim.”
That matter was recorded in the Southern Division, with 134 charges being laid against the couple. A further ten people were charged that year for the same offence.
He said a total of 19 reports have so far been received for 2024, with nine charges being laid against two persons up to last Monday, which represented a 40 per cent detection rate.
Saying investigations taking place were not simple, Smith explained, “We have these cowards hiding behind phones and making these demands, so it is not so easy to investigate.”
Admitting they were seeing the alarming reports in the media, Smith added, “We cannot imagine what is taking place, we need to get the reports so I am urging members of the public and the business community to make the report so we can actually investigate them.”
In addition, the NCD head said in order to tackle these crimes, they needed to get the co-operation of the victims, which was something they were not getting.
Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher said a strategic, deliberate and dedicated team had been assembled under Smith to address the issue of extortion.
She assured, “We know we are challenged and that there is a fear in reporting but know that if you call Mr Smith, you will have that direct communication and confidentiality in your reports.”
Smith directed persons to contact 797-3150 to make reports.
On the issue of how the police were addressing home invasions, Smith said, “We are trying to educate the public against hardening yourselves as targets.”
In addition, he said they were looking to improve community defence mechanisms such as neighbourhood watch groups; rolling out the Eagle Eye Project by setting up cameras in strategic locations across all communities; and other features which he promised would be a surprise for criminals.
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