The TTPS has disclosed that a Vehicle Theft Reduction and Prevention Exercise was conducted along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway in the vicinity of Tarouba, Gasparillo, and Claxton Bay between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday 6th August, 2025.

The exercise was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Simon, Superintendent Jaikaran, Assistant Superintendent Ramsaran, and Inspector Ragbir, and was supervised by W/Sgt Boodoo and Cpl Sookdeo and included officers of the Gasparillo and Marabella Police Stations, the Emergency Response Patrol (ERP) Unit Mon Repos, and the Highway Patrol – South Base.

Special attention was paid to high-risk vehicle types, including Nissan Tiidas, Toyota Aquas, and Kia K2700s. During the course of the exercise, three (3) stop and search forms were completed and one (1) Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) was issued.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., while stationed near the Claxton Bay overpass, PC Roopan, attached to Highway Patrol South, observed a white Toyota Fielder Wagon approaching with the driver not wearing a seatbelt. The vehicle was stopped, and upon inspection, several suspicious indicators were noted:
• The right rear window was broken
• Double-sided tape was used to attach the number plates
• The ignition was tampered with and a screwdriver was being used to start the vehicle

The driver, of Roy Clarke Road, Calcutta, was unable to produce a valid driver’s permit or certificate of insurance. Further checks revealed that the number plates affixed to the
vehicle did not match the actual registration.

The suspect was arrested and transported to the San Fernando Police Station, and the vehicle was seized pending further investigations.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) remains committed to proactive policing efforts aimed at deterring and detecting vehicle-related crimes and ensuring the safety of all
road users.