At a glance
• The owner of Rocky’s Diamond Gallery is appealing to the police commissioner and governor for regular police foot patrols following a daytime robbery.
• Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Baxani said there needs to be more collaboration between police and George Town businesses on safety initiatives.
• Police have arrested three men in connection with the Rocky’s Diamond Gallery robbery.
The owner of a jewellery store hit by armed robbers has appealed to the governor and police commissioner for a stronger police presence on the streets.
Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Baxani who owns Rocky’s Diamond Gallery on George Town’s North Church Street, which was robbed on Monday, 20 April, said regular foot patrols in the capital were a must.
He added that “strategic deployment” of officers during quieter periods in George Town, a prime time for robberies, should also be introduced after a spate of robberies in recent months.
Baxani wrote, “I have reached out previously, but on this occasion, I feel compelled to ensure that our voices are truly heard.”
He added, “Over recent months, there has been a troubling pattern of robberies in George Town, particularly targeting jewellery stores and retail outlets.
“As merchants, we are increasingly frustrated and, more importantly, fearful for our safety and our lives – especially given the apparent ease with which criminals seem to access firearms.”
Three arrested in connection with robbery
Baxani was speaking as police announced three men had been arrested in connection with the daylight armed robbery.
Two masked men, one armed with a handgun and the other with a baseball bat, burst into the store after 11am, threatened staff and smashed their way into display cases before escaping to a nearby getaway car.
Police said the two men, one aged 25 and the other 18, were arrested after a vehicle matching the description of the one the raiders fled in was spotted and stopped on Willie Farrington Drive in West Bay.
Another man, who jumped out of the car and ran away as the car was followed by police, was arrested at the airport the on Tuesday as he attempted to leave the country.
Officers said the 29-year-old man from George Town had been remanded in custody as investigations continued.
The police said a search of the area where the man left the car recovered jewellery and a handgun.
More collaboration needed
The letter, sent to Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton and Governor Jane Owen and also copied to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Wil Pineau, CEO of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, appealed for more collaboration between police and George Town businesses on safety initiatives.
Baxani said more surveillance of the town centre and intelligence-led policing, as well as “clear and reassuring communication” with retailers and the public would also improve the situation.
He wrote that the efforts of police in responding to incidents were “acknowledged and appreciated” but that the present approach appeared to be “largely reactive”.
“What is urgently needed is a stronger emphasis on proactive and preventive strategies – measures that deter crime before it occurs,” Baxani wrote.
“At present, it is often observed that following an incident, there is a temporary increase in police patrols for a few days or perhaps a week.
“Unfortunately, this presence tends to diminish shortly thereafter. I strongly believe that high-traffic commercial areas such as George Town require consistent, daily patrols – not only reactive measures.
“In fact, during quieter periods when fewer cruise ships are in port, increased vigilance may be even more critical, as such times can present greater opportunities for criminal activity.”
Baxani warned that the effects of George Town robberies involved not only financial loss, but “stress, anxiety and a constant sense of vulnerability” for owners and staff.
“For our business, this marks the third such incident and the cumulative effect is deeply discouraging and unsustainable.”
He added he was aware of discussions that suggested business owners in George Town could help pay for an increased police presence.
“With respect, this raises serious concern as it begins to resemble a form of private protection rather than a public service.
“At the same time, the cost of doing business in Cayman has steadily increased due to recent and upcoming changes, placing additional strain on the private sector.”
‘Respect’ for police
Baxani said he had been advised not to share images of the damage wreaked in his store, where the two robbers smashed several large display cases before fleeing with a small amount of jewellery because of the continuing police investigation.
But he said that anyone with access to details of the incident would “understand the severity and disturbing nature of the events captured”.
He emphasised he had “great respect for the expertise and dedication” of the police service, but that that “visible and consistent action” was needed to inspire confidence in business owners and the public.
Baxani warned that violent crime also risked Cayman’s reputation as a safe destination for tourists.
“This incident unfolded in full view of both visitors and residents at a time when the streets were active with tourists,” he wrote.
“Such events do not only affect an individual business – they directly impact the image and perceived safety of the Cayman Islands as a whole.”
The governor and police commissioner have been asked for comment.
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