Gunmen wearing utility garments, COVID-19 protective masks; rob businessman and family

This composite photo above shows a bandit with gun in hand, one holding the children at ransom and another making the rounds

An East Bank Demerara businessman and his family were on Holy Thursday robbed by three men who were wearing what appeared to be COVID-19 protective masks.

BIG Smith News Watch has been informed that based on what the businessman told the police detectives, he was about to leave his home when the men pounced on him, held him at gunpoint, force him back into his house an demanded cash and jewelry.

We were told that they were able to gather more than one million in jewelry and just under one hundred thousand dollars in local currency.

After that was given to the trio by the businessman, they bandits reportedly began ransacking the property for more valuables and cash but found nothing.

At the time of the robbery, the man, his wife and children were at home. Based on images this publication received from inside the man’s home, one of the suspects could be seen with a handgun while another appeared to have been holding two young children in a corner. One of the bandits dressed as a utility worker based on information coming from close relatives of the victims.

Police detectives are tracing a white new model Premio car with registration plate HC 5451 which the men used to escape from the crime scene.

The police at the Criminal Investigation Department at Eve Leary and ranks from the Regional Division 4B are on the case.