At least 19 specialised marine anchors and other equipment used to secure temporary safety barriers at Pigeon Point Heritage Park have been stolen since April.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has condemned the thefts as reckless and unacceptable, saying they undermine efforts to protect beachgoers.
He noted that the oil booms were installed on April 13th, just days after the jet ski incident that claimed the life of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie and left several of her family members injured.
Two days later, the first Danforth marine anchors were reported missing, and eventually all 19 anchors, along with the rope, were stolen.
The oil booms and anchors were on loan from the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). Several reports have been made to the police.
Permanent buoys valued at more than TT$400,000 were installed last week. However, 30 feet of rope and five newly installed buoys were reportedly cut.
Well-placed sources also reported that some boat owners allegedly untied ropes securing the barriers and threatened Pigeon Point workers who attempted to stop them.
The Chief Secretary described the interference as a blatant disregard for public safety and the Tobago House of Assembly’s investment in protecting members of the public.
He warned that such actions would not be tolerated and urged anyone with information about the thefts to contact the police.