00:00TV6 News gained exclusive access to the compound of former secretary in the Tobago House of Assembly, Hilton Sandy.
00:09Mr. Sandy told TV6 News he remains traumatized following the incident.
00:15Reports indicate that the intruders gained entry at the rear of the former infrastructure secretary's premises before making their way
00:24into the house.
00:25The bandits reportedly smashed a sliding door at the front of the property and entered the home where they confronted
00:32Sandy, who was asleep.
00:34During the incident, Sandy, who previously suffered a stroke, was allegedly assaulted by the intruders, leaving him shaken and traumatized.
00:43Five young men wearing hoodies would have climbed the back of the fence, you know, climb over by the tank
00:51area there and, you know, going on Mr. Sandy.
00:54So, you know, try to, you know, no phones were working at the moment because we tried to call the
01:05police.
01:05So we had to go to the station and, you know, thank God they responded.
01:10The men reportedly stole a number of items from the residents before making their escape.
01:17Neighbors are said to have noticed the suspicious activity and raised an alarm contacting the police.
01:23They told us the attack seemed targeted.
01:27It is sad to see where we come on.
01:31Clearly, these young guys are targeting individuals who they must be scoping out areas to see where people are living
01:45alone.
01:45Because, you know, Mr. Sandy also, besides he had a stroke, I mean, he's not able to speak and all
01:52of that.
01:52So even all of this was, it's just heartbreaking to know that these things are happening in Tobago.
01:59Officers responded and investigations are now underway to identify those responsible.
02:05TV6 News spoke with the former THA secretary following the incident.
02:10Sandy remained visibly traumatized as he recounted the frightening experience.
02:15The incident has once again raised concerns about the security of residents,
02:20particularly in communities where homeowners are being targeted by criminals.
02:25The men left the premises and returned, removing the installed camera system.
02:31We have to take Tobago back.
02:33We have to bring, you know, we, each of us have to be each other's keeper.
02:38We have to look out for each other.
02:40Our mothers, we have to know where our sons are.
02:44And we have to try to take Tobago back.
02:47This incident comes as Tobago has seen a 1% increase in serious reported crimes, SRCs, over the last nine
02:56months,
02:57along with a corresponding rise in its detection rate.
03:02Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
