South Rivers residents thought female robber was ‘just another customer’

WHEN South Rivers residents saw one of the women, who is now in police custody, walking into the General Employee’s Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) branch in the community, it was believed that she was just another customer going to conduct business.

It was only later when three masked men with guns entered the financial institution on receiving instructions from the woman, that it was realized she was one of the accomplices in the attempted robbery.

The details of the brazen daylight robbery which took place around 3 p.m on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, are coming to light from eye witness accounts, residents, as well as reports from the police.

Three masked men went in with guns

An eyewitness, who asked not to be identified, said they saw when the three men entered the branch.

“From the time I see them in masks and come in holding the gun like so, I just went down [on the floor].” The witness told SEARCHLIGHT, demonstrating how the robbers held the firearms close to their groin when they first entered the credit union building.

The eyewitness described the chaotic scene which followed as the men instructed the customers to get down on the ground as a robbery was now in progress. The customers did as they were told; many of them were visibly terrified.

Police tipped off

Information from a press conference held by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, revealed that the police responded to the branch quickly based on intelligence, allowing them to arrive while the men were still inside the building. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the robbers and the police. The men were able to make their way outside and made attempts to flee the scene; however, villagers banded together to capture the suspects.

It was the gunshots which altered nearby residents that an incident was occurring in the village. Residents described the robbers’ actions as not being properly planned out, revealing that one man even tried to “walk out” of the community on foot. That was until he caught the attention of villagers who raised the alarm of his participation in the robbery attempt. It has not been confirmed how they had planned to get away with their ill-gotten loot.

The suspects were seen on video being apprehended at various points in the community including the road, the river, and also a bushy area. Residents can be seen on video throwing missiles at the suspects and hitting them with sticks.

The robbers, reportedly, were not able to get any cash from the financial institution. The police said at the press conference that six persons, four men and two women were in custody; up to the time of going to press, no charges had been laid against anyone.

GECCU keeps South Rivers doors closed

The GECCU South Rivers branch will remain closed until further notice. Management informed members via social media of the closure of the branch on Wednesday July 17.

All branches of the credit union- Kingstown, Georgetown and Bequia, were closed early on Wednesday to facilitate a company staff meeting.

The financial institution said they are in the process of reviewing the security protocols.

“We deeply regret the negative effect which the incident has had on our employees, members, the community of South Rivers and the general public. We are reviewing our security protocols and measures will be put in place to enhance security at all offices of the credit union.”