The PLP has called for more CCTV coverage after a spate of small business robberies.

The latest was last week when two men raided the T & L Budget Warehouse on St Johns Road and escaped on a motorbike with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Unfortunately, this was just one in a series of robberies that have been inflicted on small businesses over the past year,” said Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Walter Roban. “It is a disturbing trend in crime that must be stopped.”

“We support the business community working with law enforcement to combat this trend and continue to believe the following steps can assist with this effort to enhance safety and security:

“Immediate steps must be made to further widen CCTV coverage to higher traffic retail business areas inside and outside the City of Hamilton. This is a high priority and the OBA must prioritise the expansion of the CCTV system by ensuring that funds are made available to enhance security.

“These incidents have been mostly inflicted on small businesses and the Bermuda Police Service should provide the opportunity for special consultation for these businesses on effective security measures.

“Assisting with training staff to spot security concerns which may provide the circumstances which may lead to a robbery. The Community Action teams can also act as an ongoing liaison for neighbourhood businesses with an open line of communication when needed.

“The Chamber of Commerce and other business groups should also take steps to organise Internal Security Subcommittees to assess, if any, the security needs of their members and also provide advice to non-member businesses.”

Mr Roban said the PLP believed it was important for the business community to work with the police and all the strategic partners in the security industry to generate possible solutions.

“Preventive and proactive steps in response to this rise in criminal activity around business is the best way to ensure safety of property, staff and consumer confidence is preserved,” he added.

“We stand with the owner and staff of the businesses as they make every effort to return to normalcy. The community must support the Bermuda Police Service and other agencies to combat all crime and encourage anyone who has information on this incident to assist them with enquiries. ”?