Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued a warning to criminal elements in Trinidad and Tobago following a deadly police operation that left three suspected burglars dead on May 2.

In an audio message after the incident, Guevarro said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will not allow criminals to operate with impunity.

“To the criminal elements who believe that they can terrorise our communities, let this stand as a clear message. Once you choose violence against law-abiding citizens, the TTPS will find you, pursue, and stop you. The days of criminals moving with impunity are over,” he said.

“If you invade homes, you will face the full weight of the law. Crime has consequences, and the TTPS will ensure that those consequences arrive swiftly.”

Police said the three men were killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers following a home invasion in Cunupia in Central Trinidad.

According to reports, around 3:30 am, a 70-year-old farmer was awakened by a noise at his home and confronted by five masked men, one armed with a firearm. The suspects tied up the victim and robbed him of TT$1,120 (TT$6.78 = US$1) in cash and a mobile phone before fleeing.

Officers, acting on intelligence, pursued the suspects and intercepted them along Ramnarine Trace off Esmeralda Road, where the confrontation occurred.

Two other suspects were arrested, while two remain at large.

Guevarro extended condolences to the families of those killed, noting that any loss of life is a tragedy, but commended officers involved in the operation.

“Their actions brought an immediate end to a violent home invasion that left a 70-year-old citizen traumatised in his own home,” he said.

He also praised members of the Home Invasion Team, Anti-Extortion Unit, Central Division and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) for their coordinated response.

Police said the operation formed part of ongoing joint efforts between the TTPS and TTDF to target violent criminal activity and home invasions.

Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious activity as investigations continue and efforts to locate the remaining suspects intensify.