Residents of Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara, say they are living in fear due to an ongoing wave of thefts, harassment, and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by a group of men believed to be from the same family. Some claim that political connections may be shielding those responsible from accountability.
Speaking with Village Voice, several residents detailed a string of break-ins and thefts affecting homes, shops, and vehicles. Stolen items reportedly include motorcycles, weed wackers, bicycles, jewelry, household electronics, and mobile phones. The alleged incidents have been ongoing for several years, according to residents, but appear to have intensified in recent months.
“We are in constant fear of being targeted,” said one resident, who requested anonymity. “Many of us have installed cameras around our homes just to protect ourselves.”
A local weeder also shared his experience:
“I was weeding the backyard of a home in the neighbourhood. When I came back to the front, the motorcycle I had parked on the bridge was gone.”
Residents say newly installed surveillance cameras have captured images of the alleged perpetrators. Multiple individuals identified in the footage are believed to be sons of a woman widely known in the area for her support of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) party.
Claims of Police Inaction
Residents allege that despite providing photographic evidence to the Providence Police Station, little to no action has been taken. Some community members claim police officers have privately expressed reluctance to act due to perceived political interference.
“We were told by officers, ‘We can’t help you. One phone call from that woman and we’ll be transferred,’” a resident claimed.
These claims could not be independently verified, and efforts to contact the Providence Police Station for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Allegations of Political Protection
Residents allege that the woman often intervenes when her sons are apprehended, resulting in their release without charge. One resident referenced a now-deceased son of the woman, stating he had “been in and out of jail” prior to his passing.
“The last time I saw him, he looked badly injured, like he couldn’t even ride his bike the way he used to,” the resident added.
Footage reportedly taken in August 2025 allegedly shows several men nailing PPP/C flags to utility poles around 3 a.m. Residents claim the individuals in the videos are the same men responsible for other acts of intimidation in the community, including purse-snatching and harassing young adults.
Serious allegations have also emerged, with residents accusing some of the men of involvement in sexual misconduct, including alleged abuse of young boys in the area. These claims have not been officially confirmed or substantiated by law enforcement.
Attempted Theft Thwarted by CANU Officers
In an incident earlier this month, residents say an attempted motorcycle theft was foiled when a CANU (Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit) transport vehicle arrived at the scene. According to residents, one of the woman’s sons was allegedly apprehended while fleeing with the stolen bike. However, details remain unclear, and no official statement has been released by CANU or the police regarding the incident.
Residents Fear Retaliation
While many residents say they have handed over photographic evidence to law enforcement, they also expressed deep fear about being identified.
“Because of where the cameras are located, we’re afraid we’ll be targeted,” said one resident, who, like others, asked that photos not be published by Village Voice.
Within the past two weeks, a home goods store and the residence of a schoolteacher were also reportedly burglarised. Though neighbours say they’ve shared video evidence with police, the suspects have not been arrested.
Editor’s Note: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
