The theft of boat engines, derelict vehicles and noise complaints were among the concerns raised by residents of Glamorgan, Tobago, during a TTPS Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday night.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and the community while identifying ways to improve policing and address issues affecting residents.
Although attendance at the TTPS Town Hall Meeting in Glamorgan was modest, officers welcomed the opportunity to hear residents’ concerns and receive suggestions on improving safety and policing in the community.
One of the primary issues raised was the persistent theft of boat engines, which was raised by resident Gordon Grandison.
“We have been plagued by theft of boat engines on our side.”
Senior Superintendent Rodhill Kirk acknowledged the problem and agreed that there is a need for increased coastal patrols.
He also encouraged fishermen to consider installing tracking devices on their engines and vessels as an added security measure.
“Technology reach so far that you can just put a little thing like a SIM card. They can’t find it no where you know… and with that you can track your engine anywhere it go.”
Senior Superintendent Kirk said tracking technology has assisted police in recovering stolen vessels and engines in the past.
He added that the TTPS has requested the installation of CCTV cameras in the Richmond area, where thefts have been occurring with some frequency.
Residents also expressed concern about derelict vehicles left parked along roadways for extended periods.
“There are vehicles just parking there for the longest, longest while, and they are not moving, causing congestion to the roadway.”
Senior Superintendent Kirk said the issue is affecting communities across Tobago and remains a priority for the TTPS.
“We have the assistance of the officers attached to the EMA who are going out and serving notices in terms of persons to remove those vehicles, and if it is not removed, I am seeing that some of them were removed and taken to where they could be disposed of.”
He warned that the same action could apply to mechanical garages that routinely leave vehicles parked on roadways.
“If a vehicle is parked up for an unreasonable length of time in a particular place, not being used, that vehicle, based on an assessment, could be deemed a derelict vehicle.”
The move was welcomed by Assembly Member for Glamorgan/Belle Garden and Secretary of Health and Wellness, Dr Faith Brebnor, who has been working with public health officials to address the issue.
“As much as my public health inspectors have the legal authority to move it, we may need the muscle behind us to do the actual moving and to help protect the inspectors in that regard.”
Other concerns raised during the meeting included noise complaints, the need for stronger community engagement by police officers, and improved follow-up on reports made by residents.