Police Commissioner warns citizens to be cautious on social media

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro is urging citizens to exercise caution when using social media apps, particularly Facebook and Grindr.

Guevarro made the remarks at the conclusion of a panel discussion at the American Chamber of Commerce’s Health, Safety, Security and Environs conference held yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Speaking on cybersecurity, he noted a particular affinity among citizens for the two apps, which he said he could not explain.

“I have no idea why Trinidad loves Grindr and Facebook so much. They can’t resist themselves. And they’re becoming victims of their own devices. That’s a problem. It’s a situation of either we’re getting too brave or we’re getting too stupid,” he said.

In recent years, robberies linked to fake transactions on Facebook Marketplace have been on the rise. Incidents of assaults and robberies have also been reported in connection with Grindr, an app used by members of the LGBTQ+ community for social interactions.

Guevarro added, “We are our own worst enemies, and we have become a gullible society. We have enabled ourselves to become victims of crime in the process. You can’t tell me that an individual will be on Facebook—and this happens every single day in Trinidad—trying to buy a car, putting $40,000 in their pocket, and going to meet someone on the bottom of St Paul Street. You’re inviting yourself to be robbed.”

While crime statistics are reportedly down, Guevarro said the fear of crime remains high. “Society has had a fear of crime for so long that it is now ingrained in the minds of citizens. Nobody is seeing that crime is actually at its lowest in how many years at this point in time,” he said.

He also advised security agencies to adapt to the evolving criminal networks and changing methods of offenders.

—Jensen La Vende