The Tribune

AUTHORITIES yesterday warned women to be on the lookout for four armed men who are causing traffic accidents and then robbing motorists.

Paul Rolle, Central Detective Unit Superintendent, told The Tribune that investigators have received several reports, mainly from women, who said they were robbed after being hit from behind by an SUV.

So far, he said, the victims have largely described to police that the culprits were driving a gold Honda CRV or Ford Explorer vehicle.

The superintendent stressed that if persons find themselves targeted, they should remain inside the vehicle, call the police immediately, and drive to the nearest police station. Persons should avoid driving to their homes, he added.

While officials are not at this time releasing to the public how many instances are now under investigation, Mr Rolle said the majority of reports have come from women who are drivers of late model Hondas and Nissan Maximas.

This year, police have

admitted that armed robberies have been an area that they have struggled to control. Months back, police told this newspaper they were stumped on how to bring the occurrences of armed robberies down after eight were reported in one weekend.

“We have had reports,” Superintendent Rolle said, “concerning persons being robbed by four men in an SUV. The victims have reported to us that they were bumped and then when they get out to inspect the damages, two armed men get out of the SUV and rob them.

“As it is the height of the Christmas season, we want people to know that they can be targeted.”

Rodney Moncur, Bain and Grants Town Urban Renewal East Chairman, said crime had become an horrific experience for Bahamians despite the government’s pledge to throw resources at the problem.

“By my activity in the community, I know crime is on the increase,” he said. “It appears to me that Urban Renewal and all the great pomp and pageantry they attributed to it has worn off.

“It is a sad day that women cannot even take a drive and be safe in this country.”

Mr Moncur appealed to all women to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.