Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth Police
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Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth Police
By Nakinskie Robinson
A significant dip in crime in the latter part of the year is a welcomed contrast to the surge recorded earlier this year in St. Elizabeth.
Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth Police, says the decline in serious crimes was even more pronounced in November, when no homicides were recorded.
The last murder was recorded in October.
Superintendent Minto says the division has recorded more than 100 fewer major crimes since the start of the year, when compared with the similar period last year.
"We have to date 218 serious crimes recorded in the parish. This is compared to 334 for the corresponding period in 2023. We are showing a 116 major crimes less or 35 per cent. This is actually the first time in 18 months that the parish is experiencing going through a month without having a murder," he explained.
"As of December 11th, the division recorded 29 murders when compared to 36 for the similar period last year. In May 2024, the division was showing 100 per cent increase in murders, and as such the strategies employed, certainly the citizens of this parish, who continue to support the police all contribute to this reduction," added the senior cop.
He said the authorities will not let up as they work to further reduce crime in the parish.
Rape
Meanwhile, the St. Elizabeth Police are on the hunt for several people who are wanted for rape offences.
Superintendent Minto said while there has also been a decline in reported cases of rape and sexual assault, the offences remain a concern in the division.
"We have seen a number of cases and although we are in the decline for 2024, there have been 19 reported cases of rape when compared to 24 for 2023. This is 5 less, but 19 too many. In a number of the cases, the accused persons are known or they are close relatives of the victims," he said.
The most recent case, Superintendent Minto noted, allegedly took place against a 14-year-old female student.
The police are seeking 18-year-old Sebastian McLean, otherwise called 'Sean'. They have also named Damion Robinson, of a Siloah address; David Pottinger, of a Goshen address; and Paul Smith, of Carisbrook - all in St. Elizabeth.
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