Manchester residents fearful as women being targeted in house break-ins

 

Residents of Dunrobin and Balvenie Heights in Mandeville, Manchester are fearful following reports of breaking and entering at the homes of women and the sexual assault of a woman in the area last week.

 

According to the residents, over the last three weeks, armed men have been preying on vulnerable women in the communities.

 

One robbery victim, who requested anonymity, spoke with Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday.

 

The woman said she was robbed of cell phones, cash and other items by two men who broke into her house last week. 

 

"I...thought that with the grille I was safe. Dem cut the grille and they come in so fast. They take out the meter. So to me, it doesn’t matter what house you are in, you are not safe. And the hours they are coming in is when the neighbourhood is dead, no sound. They coming in the hours when people are deep in their sleep. That is the time that they are attacking," she lamented. 

 

Fred Williams, a Justice of the Peace and community member, said he has been providing counselling to the victims.

 

Mr. Williams suggested the establishment of more neighbourhood watches and citizens associations to help reduce these incidents. 

 

Last July, a series of similar incidents occurred in the neighbouring communities of Hatfield and Hopeton.

 

There was one reported victim of rape while others reported being robbed of personal and household belongings.

 

According to the latest crime statistics, Manchester has recorded 29 robberies and 53 break-ins since the start of the year.