St. Ann police report reduction in major crimes

 

The St. Ann police are reporting a reduction in major crimes despite a recent flare-up of violence in sections of the parish.

 

Acting Senior Superintendent Rohan Elliott, Commanding Officer for the St. Ann Division, says the police are adjusting their strategies where necessary to ensure a coordinated and targeted response across crime-prone areas. 

 

Providing a breakdown of the crime figures across the division, SSP Elliott said the police are looking to make further gains.

 

"Despite the several incidents over the past two weeks, the division is seeing a reduction in murders. We are now 29 compared to 33, which is a...12% reduction. And as it relates to major crimes, overall major crimes, we are seeing a reduction of 8%. We are not comfortable and it is why we are digging into the toolbox and utilising the tools such as a curfew to get a lid on what is happening," he said. 

 

Parry Town, one of the areas under police watch, is fresh off a 48-hour curfew imposed in response to a deadly gun attack on July 5. 

 

SSP Elliott said the broad-based attacks have posed some level of difficulty for the police. However, support has been provided where necessary.

 

"We do re-strategise from time to time and we get assistance from Area 2 with additional resources and we also get assistance from Specialised Operations Branch from time to time, in treating with the issues that may face us. So we have enough police to deal with what is happening, but we continue to encourage members of the public to tell us what they know."