Armed bandits struck in Sophia on Old Year's Night as a family was preparing dinner, robbing and terrorising their victims. According to reports the bandits armed with hand guns and clad in dark-coloured clothing descended on a family at 'B' Field, Sophia around 9:30 on Old Year's Night.

Teenaged bandits rob Sophia internet cafe

According to information, Thameshwar Inderpaul and his family were home preparing dinner when they heard strange sounds coming from the doorway. On checking, Inderpaul saw one and later two others breaking down his northern door.

Once in the house the bandits commanded their victims to be quiet and proceeded to issue death threats to them.

Stabroek News was told that Inderpaul was forced at gunpoint to guide the bandits through his house. The robbers demanded cash and jewellery and when this was not forthcoming they beat and threatened their victims.

The bandits stole one motor scooter valued $458,000, one bicycle and $4,000 in cash. They made good their escape south of the village. Police were called in and took statements from the victims. They also pursued the criminals but were unable to apprehend anyone.

Only last week Wednesday, bandits from Sophia struck at a Cummings Lodge home, escaping with over $100,000 in cash and jewellery. They also beat their victims and kicked a three-year-old boy off the stairs.

On Christmas Eve day, a 15-member gang descended on a 'C' Field, Sophia family robbing and beating their victims in a two-hour rampage. During the attack Tulsiram Narine was shot in his chest as he resisted the bandits.

Blue Christmas: The Narines of 'C' Field, Sophia contemplate their next move after a two-hour attack by bandits yesterday morning.

Almost empty: Bandits virtually cleaned out Tulsiram Narine's Grocery Store yesterday morning during a robbery at Sophia.

(Jules Gibson photos)