More police on Trelawny streets for holiday season

The Trelawny police have increased their presence across the parish for the holiday season.

Operations Manager for the Trelawny Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Shamar Edwards, explained that the added “boots on the ground” are part of a strategic move to sustain the parish’s recent crime reduction.

“Many of our administrative staff are out on the streets for the Yuletide season. Our aim is to maintain the low crime rate the parish has been enjoying over the last quarter of the year,” Edwards told The Gleaner.

“We have had no recent murders, no rapes, and no break-ins. Generally, it has been very peaceful,” he said.

However, he noted that praedial larceny remains a concern.

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“We have recorded a few incidents, and our aim is to cut down on these,” he added.

Stakeholders have welcomed the increased police presence.

President of the Trelawny Justices Association, Ken Grant, said it will help to maintain law and order during the Yuletide season.

Also welcoming the move is Councillor for the Lorrimers Division, Winston Smith, who believes the increased police presence will further deter criminal activity.

“The added police presence will help to deter those with criminal intent. Although we are aware that even at night the crime rate has remained low, this is a good sign,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, Grant is appealing to members of the Trelawny Justices Association to assist residents affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“We have over 200 members. If each one of us helps just one person, it will bring joy to many,” he said.

- Leon Jackson