My stolen bike was an inside job of this security firm

Sep 16, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
The situational irony with a certain security firm lamenting over a lost contract has once again proven to be one that is very rewarding and at its most appropriate time. Indeed the quality of services offered by this firm unsatisfactory and below the required standard leaving much to be desired and it is rather unfortunate for a security service that has been established for 35 years.
I was employed by the said company as a Visiting Inspector working the 9-5 shift. Upon my assumption of duty, I have been singing to my fellow colleagues to let us lift the standard we provide and emphasized that there are many other security services around in Guyana but what would make the company different is customer services. To my dismay they all turned a blind eye while the services remain sloppy.
Personally, I firmly believe that the firm is unable to protect or secure anyone or his/her property. Unfortunately, I experienced this resounding fact on the 4th August, 2017. On this said date, I arrived at work and parked my motorcycle approximately 5-10 inches from the main gate in front of the main office, locked it and went inside. As it was a bit early, I decided to give my junior ranks ample time to arrive at their various locations, so I did my routine- perused the occurrence book, checked the timesheet to see the locations I had to cover and signed in my time.
After this was done, the time was still pretty early, so I sat inside near a window and rested my head. Upon opening my eyes, I observed the Watch Commander (person in charge of night duties) and a security guard (person monitoring the gate and vehicles) looking at me and smiling. To this I said to myself, “ok?” and paid no mind and continued to rest my head.
As the time drew near for me to visit the various locations, I collected a radio and proceeded towards the gate followed by the watch commander and we passed the security guard lying at the gate on a bench. Immediately, I observed that my motorcycle was not in the position where I parked. And felt rather strange. I went towards both corners of the street looking for my CH 5913. As it was nowhere in sight, I enquired from the watch commander thinking that it was a prank but yielded no positive response.
I waited for transportation and then made a report at Albertown Police Station. Upon returning to Office, I enquired from the Watch Commander if he told the Operations Manager what had transpired of which he called in my presence and was rudely told, “this is wha you callin me fa? All you ga do is put it in de book and when I come in de morning I will see it.” As surprised as I was, I smiled in disgust.
As time progressed and days passed, no one knew nor said anything positive but rather carried out their routine operations while I remain helpless. The funny part of this unbelievable event is that my motorcycle was parked very closely to another Inspector’s motorcycle and mine alone disappeared unceremoniously without any documentation. My motorcycle contained my cell phones (Iphone and Blu) my bank Cards, NIS Card, ID card and other documents including money and other bike papers.
As I followed up with the police on the 7th August (two days after), I had to give another statement; and then they visited the scene. Upon visiting the location, we were pushed around and offered minimum assistance. The security cameras on the building suddenly stopped working, same as those nearby and no one knew anything about the matter. Given that, I am still puzzled as the General Manager and other senior staff insisted to me that I parked my motorcycle and didn’t lock the handle. It leaves me to wonder if they saw on the security camera that it was not locked because they were not there at the scene at the said time.
Additionally, I was told that I did not park on their premises due to the fact that my bike was a few inches off, yet the said security guard monitoring the gate has to monitor the company’s vehicle that is parked at a lantern post some distance further away. These strange utterances led me to believe that it is an inside work.
Should I climb on a table or perhaps a rooftop to get some assistance? The days that followed, I followed up with the police, trying for them to get statements but yielded no assistance. To date, no one has been asked to provide a statement and I am still sitting here. I have visited the office, wrote letter and even called the Inspector at Albertown Police Station, Commander’s Office and even Eve Leary but apparently we are living in a ‘drag-foot’ society whereby nothing can change. I believe that the Police at Albertown Station are incompetent and cannot function effectively because there is so much that can be done yet no actions were taken; more so because to them, this is a small matter.
I do believe that it is time for the police (especially those at Albertown Station) to take positive interest in their work so as to maintain safety and a sense of normalcy in society. I am very much open to all the assistance that I can garner. All I’m asking for is that the police compile and complete their report so that my insurance can reimburse some funds due to the fact that my motorcycle was under full coverage.
Marlon Joseph

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