Criminologist urges Govt action after attempted daylight home invasion

Criminologist and former chair of the Police Service Commission (PolSC), Professor Ramesh Deosaran, is calling on the Government to ensure there are proactive crime-fighting measures after an attempted home invasion at his Champs Fleurs residence yesterday morning.

Deosaran highlighted the incident in a post on his Facebook account, where he included a photo captured from CCTV cameras at his home, noting that it happened in broad daylight, around 10 am.

The photo showed a man wearing a grey hoodie and holding a cutlass as he walked at the side of the house.

Deosaran reported that the doors and windows of the home were locked. He said that had that not been the case, the incident might have turned into a “stand-your-ground situation.”

Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Deosaran said that while the intruder was not able to enter the house itself, the attempt was quite concerning since it occurred during “broad daylight” when they could be seen.

He added that the suspect left the property after realising he could not gain entry.

Deosaran said that while he was not particularly fearful after the incident, he felt the need to be “more careful” given the apparent brazenness of criminals.

He, however, questioned what more could be done, as people who took precautions with security devices and reinforced doors could still fall victim to crime.

“He (the bandit) twisted the cameras upside down, but he missed one, and that one caught him as he was walking around the house.

“Even with cameras they have they are still in danger. You have to ask the question, ‘What else can you do to be safe?’ You have cameras they can interfere with, you have burglar-proofing, but they have equipment they can use to break into your home.

“So it places the whole country in a fright and the Government has to take note of that.”

Deosaran also implored the Government and law enforcement to take a firm stance not only on investigating crime but also on preventing it.

He said the unpredictable nature of criminals was disturbing, noting that anyone could be a victim.

“The way these frightening incidents are happening in your private premises is frightening for all citizens. While some people are getting beefed-up security, the Government must realise there is a lot of ground-level work to do.

“An incident like this can happen anytime, anywhere, to anybody. Therefore, the country is almost in a crisis state when it comes to public safety.”

Deosaran said the incident was reported to the police.