An 81 year old man was tied up by armed robbers in his home in Belmopan yesterday. It’s an attack that should frighten any senior citizen that lives alone. Canadian retiree Edward Shaw whose been living in Belmopan for more than 20 years never expected to be attacked inside his home on Nanche Street. The frail 81 year old spoke to us on the condition that we don’t show his face. Keith Swift reports.
Keith SwiftReporting,
81 year old Edward Shaw says his attackers picked his lock to gain entry to his home and then hid in his bathroom until when he arrived home around 6 pm.
Edward Shaw, Robbery Victim
“I was thrown down, tied down on the foot and hand and gagged, pummelled a little bit and then the robbery occurred and they left with the things I had ransacked from my house and my pockets and they took the car. So I was able to free myself a half an hour later, free my feet, and then the neighbours untied me and called the police.”
Supt. Aaron Guzman, Belmopan Police
“He was tied up, he was robbed of $50, and some food items taken from his refrigerator.”
Keith Swift,
“What did they tie your hands and feet with?”
Edward Shaw,
“With cord, they cut a nylon cord. That is what was on my feet and I was able to wiggle my feet. It almost un-knotted itself.”
Keith Swift,
“Do you know where in the house they were hiding because you said they were already in here?”
Edward Shaw,
“I have no idea. I suspect probably it was in the bathroom. When I came in I could see in the bedroom and I could see the kitchen area and I went directly into the bedroom. That leaves the bathroom.
It was painful; being punched in the ribs at 80 with brittle bones and then I have asthma, it is a little hard to breathe. It hurts.”
And to show us how much it hurt – he allowed us to film the bruises on
his hands and the bandage on his wrist. Police are investigating but they say that this lock which Shaw said the robbers picked – had no evidence that it had been tampered with. And then there are the reports that Shaw is known to keep dangerous company.
Supt. Aaron Guzman,
“He reported that his car, a Toyota, I believe it is a 1994 was taken. This is not the first time that Mr. Shaw has lost a vehicle which was recovered some days after, some years ago. I dare to say that sometimes you have to be aware of the company you keep. That is how far I will say in relation to that incident right now.”
Keith Swift,
“You think he knew who did this to him?”
Supt. Aaron Guzman,
“He might have known or the persons might have known him.”
Keith Swift,
“Because he says he believes the person was waiting in the house for him?”
Supt. Aaron Guzman,
“Keith not wanting to get further in the investigation but if doors were broken, no windows were damaged, then how would someone get into your house. Obviously that is somebody you know or who knows to get into your house who would have access to the keys or where you have hidden your keys. More than likely it is a friend or someone who you associate with.”
Police are investigating. His car is a white 1991 Toyota Corolla.
