TOBAGO will become the next Laventille if nothing is done about rising crime in the sun-kissed tourist destination.

Murders stood at a record-breaking 10 in the Sister Isle in 2005 and there were already three this year, up to Press time.

That, along with the prevalence of other crimes, including robberies, rape and domestic violence, is a major cause of concern for law officers, most of all top cop, Superintendent Dillon. He has expressed some relief over the assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, which sent soldiers for joint patrols in various parts of the island.

Dillon said their presence has slowed down the murder rate from what it was last year, but emphasised that this is only part of the solution.

“Soldiers are not investigating officers,” said Dillon.

“They can assist us on spot when a crime takes place but they are not the ones to solve a crime.

“We need more police manpower in Tobago.

“We are short from constable right up to Assistant Supt. Unlike Trinidad, we do not have added special anti-crime units like SAUTT, just to name one, to help with the crime fighting here in Tobago,” added Dillon.

“And our Homicide Bureau consists of mainly Special Reserve Police (SRP) who do not have the proper training to be investigators,” he revealed.

“I do not mean to put down the officers because they are hard workers, but they are not as trained as regular policemen, which is what is missing badly here.”

Technology is another weak area, as Emergency 999 calls go to Trinidad before being forwarded to a station nearest the distress in Tobago.

“Most of the time the person does not know Tobago well and has no knowledge where to transfer the call.

“This delay must increase crime here in Tobago: a man could have time to kill his wife or a child could have time to get burnt.

“Despite the limited resources,” Dillon added, “the police here are still committed to our duties to protect and serve the residents of Tobago.”