The Guyana Police Force is likely to set up a “sting” operation to focus on the recent spate of robberies committed on persons just after they would have withdrawn large sums of cash from the commercial banks.

Over the past month alone, there have been at least four cases.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said he is very concerned about the issue and intends to order a special operation to focus on arresting the problem.

He told a Monday morning press conference that there is suspicion on the involvement of bank employees as well as the involvement of relatives of the persons who were robbed.

In many cases, the victims would relate that very few family members had knowledge of their business transactions.

Ramjattan said the situation is worrying and he wants the problem to be addressed.  He noted that the banks have been conducting their own probe and have explained that their tellers would not be able to have their phones will on duty.

Last week, the Association of Bankers issued a statement calling on their customers to exercise more caution, even as the banks raise their own concern about the worrying trend.

The Bankers Association has asked that “in the interest of safety, we take this opportunity to encourage customers and members of the public to as far as possible refrain from conducting large cash transactions, and instead utilize other secure methods of payment such as Manager’s Cheques or direct payments. At this time, local security escort services should also be considered for persons operating businesses which may require transportation of significant sums.”

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