So, that's three different home invasions in three different parts of the country - with each of the crime crews having their own M.O - from pirates, to bandits, to, possibly, a roving gang.
Today in Belmopan we asked Commissioner Williams about this worrying pattern of crimes targeting properties:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"In the case of the one in Punta Gorda Town, that again is another case where a law abiding citizen home was burglarized by bandits carrying weapons and it is a concern to us."
Reporter
"When things happens outside the normal frame of violence, people become concern that legitimate persons not operating in any gang environment are now being targeted."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I don't know what made you draw that conclusion, but persons who are not involved in gang activities have always been targeted by criminals and you would know that we are living in extremely tough times where a number of persons seems to be unemployed and a number of persons are desperate. desperate people do desperate things. This is no justification for anybody to want to go and commit crime to say that because they are not working of they are hungry."
Reporter
"The discussion also arises as to whether citizens should begin to consider arming themselves and building capacity in dealing with defense weapons."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Any person can apply for a gun license, just that not any person can get a gun license. It has a lot to do with your background and the reason for which you want the weapon and please remember that having a gun at all times is not a saving grace, because if it is that these culprits know that you are armed they are going to not hesitate. So even when you have a gun you are not supposed to be out there flashing it to make it known that you have one, because you are accosted to be rob, they think you have it on you, they are going to take you out. They are not going to give you the upper hand."
