AS Christmas shopping ramps up in the heart of Port of Spain, crime is on the minds of both customers and business owners. There’s a tense feeling in the air in the stores and on the streets.
Newsday asked an employee at one of the stores on Henry Street how business was doing. After asking to be anonymous, she said there was a constant feeling of unease and anxiety while conducting business.
While speaking to Newsday, a suspicious person was brought to the employee’s attention. She said normally an announcement would be made asking people to be careful with their belongings, which would warn off suspicious people.
“An elderly lady was robbed right in front a store last week.
“When yuh slip yuh does slide. Every day is a something, you always have to be vigilant.
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"There is always security in the store, but once criminals see customers with any valuables, they come into the store. Store managers and customers are wary of being in Port of Spain.”
She said while there were police patrolling the streets, it often felt like there weren’t enough officers.
“I wish there could be more police presence on Henry, Charlotte, Frederick and Abercromby Streets. Maybe they could have Charlotte and Henry with one set and Frederick and Abercromby with another.
“But even with the police around, there is a lack of trust in them with the stories in the news related to criminals disguised as officers. I just feel really vulnerable, anxious, unsettled and fearful when coming to work.”
So as the days go on into the Christmas season, be mindful of your surroundings and be safe while shopping.
(With reporting by Faith Ayoung.)
