Cattle rustlers and bandits are targeting the Amerindian village of Achiwib in Region Nine and residents are being urged to form groups to protect themselves.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta recently visited villages in the region and was told that several radio sets, solar panels and one microscope were reported stolen. The microscope was later said to have been recovered.

According to a Government Information Agency press release, Nokta told the residents that they have to be the eyes and ears for the police: "The community has a responsibility to protect what they have worked so hard to achieve and I am urging you to form yourselves into groups and curb crime."

Representatives from the Lethem Police Station were present at the meeting and they noted the fears and concerns of the residents.

Regional Vice-Chairman Clarindo Rudolph told the villagers that they should be observant and cautious of persons entering their community. "Should you know of certain links, I implore you to make the reports to the [relevant] authorities," Rudolph said. Achiwib village is located about 20 miles from the Guyana/Brazil border.