Protecting Yourself During Roadside Vehicle Sales

A 52-year-old woman conducting sales from her vehicle at the Washington Roundabout in Caroni was robbed by two men in March 2026; one grabbed her by the neck while the second took TT$1,000 in cash and a quantity of craft beads. The roundabout is a high-traffic public space, but its familiarity and predictability were part of the reason she was targeted. Criminals who observe a roadside seller know where she will be, at what time, and that she will be stationary and handling cash. A vehicle-based sales operation has the same exposure profile as a stationary market stall: customers approach from all directions, cash handling is frequent and visible, there is no physical barrier between the seller and the public, and there is typically no colleague nearby to call for help. Operating at the same location at predictable hours allows anyone who wants to observe the pattern to plan an approach without urgency.

Steps to follow:

• Vary the location and hours of vehicle-based sales activity where possible — predictable times and positions allow criminals to observe your cash-handling routine before committing to a robbery.
• Keep all cash in a concealed compartment or secured bag inside the vehicle; do not hold cash on your person or count it visibly near the window.
• Do not conduct sales alone at isolated or poorly lit locations; where possible, park adjacent to other vendors, a food stall, or a location with a security presence.
• Keep your windows up to a minimum opening that allows transactions; do not unlock doors for customers unless necessary — a window gap is a faster barrier to restore than an open door.
• Keep your phone accessible and charged so that you can call 999 or a contact quickly if you feel threatened; keep it out of view when customers are at the window.
• If someone grabs you through the window or forces your door, release cash and comply immediately — physical resistance when your neck or arm is already being controlled escalates injury risk within seconds.