Police bust robbery ring

Lawmen have dismantled a robbery ring allegedly orchestrated by an older individual who equipped younger offenders with firearms, vehicles and other resources, Assistant Commissioner of Police Vernon Farrell has revealed.

Speaking during Tuesday’s online programme, IN FOCUS | Crime Trends 2026: Tracking Criminal Activity & Justice Issues in Barbados, Farrell said the case reflected what police have anecdotally observed to be an increase in young people committing crimes on behalf of individuals operating behind the scenes.

“I think it was last month we were able to infiltrate a group of robbers and they were being financed by an older person who remained in the background [and] furnished them with the equipment, whatever they needed, the firearms, vehicles, to go ahead and perpetrate the crimes. The proceeds [were] brought back to that person who is the organiser and shared for profit,” he said.

Farrell said charges had since been laid against individuals allegedly involved in the operation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vernon Farrell (File photo)

The assistant commissioner also revealed that police have intensified stop-and-search operations in response to a reported increase in people carrying sharp weapons.

Farrell said officers remain focused on removing such weapons from the streets but stressed that enforcement must be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of violent behaviour.

He questioned whether conflict-resolution programmes were reaching the people most in need, noting the regular appearance of fights and confrontations on social media.

“Not a lot of persons in our society seem to have the understanding of conflict resolution. I know that there are programmes which we broadcast, but it begs the question, are these programmes reaching the right audience?” he said.

Calling for renewed outreach efforts, Farrell said the volume of videos showing online altercations suggested more intervention was needed.

“We see on social media practically every day… fights, quarrels, persons armed, always some sort of physical conflict. I think we need to regroup and continue to have outreach programmes in terms of reaching people,” Farrell said. 

(SB)