Armed bandits went into Canje, Berbice early yesterday morning and robbed two families taking cash, jewellery and shooting one man before escaping.

According to information received the bandits went into the home of Ramratan Lalbachan, a goldsmith, and shot him on his right thigh. The men demanded money and jewellery and stole gold that Lalbachan had for other people. They also stole $11,000 and ransacked the home before escaping. The men had forced the door to gain entry to Lalbachan's home. He is presently a patient at the New Amsterdam hospital. The police are investigating.

This attack occurred around 3 am in East Canefield, Canje. About half an hour earlier in West Canefield, Canje there was a similar attack believed to have been carried out by the same men.

According to Sita Karran, at about 2:30 am yesterday morning she and her husband awoke to the sound of a window pane breaking and at that same instant two men armed with guns burst into their bedroom. She stated that the men told them not to move and demanded all their gold. Her husband, Navin Garrib, she said, had left his jewellery on a table in the room and the men collected all and also stripped her of five gold rings, earrings and a chain and a gold band that her husband had on his hand. They also went through his pockets and took away $13,000 that he had. When her husband attempted to get off the bed one of the men cuffed him in his face and told him not to. While this was taking place her eight-year-old daughter came into their bedroom and the men told her "don't make noise honey we won't hurt you" and the girl then sat on the bed with her parents.

One of the men also went through the home and afterwards the men told the family they were leaving, not to make any noise and then walked away. The family then called the police and reported the matter.

Karran told this newspaper that they had only moved into the house three weeks ago. It is believed that the men gained entry through the window. (Keisha McCammon)