Police tackle St Catherine North crime spike

  The St Catherine North Police have begun to make inroads into the crime problem which has been rocking sections of the Division since the start of the year.  The spike in major crimes in the Division has triggered concerns from members of the business community in Spanish Town who say the situation is affecting their operations. Officials of the Constabulary Force have blamed the upsurge in homicides on infighting between well-known gangs operating in the parish.  And members of the police Division have also received threats from a criminal gang based in the parish. Highly placed police sources told RJR News that following two days of raids, close to 200 persons were picked up. Eight of those detained were found to be persons of major interest to the police.

With more than 20 homicides recorded in the St Catherine North Division since January,  the police have significantly increased their presence on the ground with the help of the Jamaica Defence Force and additional police personnel from other Divisions in the Constabulary Force. On Tuesday RJR News observed a large contingent of police and military personnel in March Pen - the same community in which a woman and her daughter were shot and killed two weeks ago. Patrols were also observed along sections of the Old Harbour Road. Meanwhile the Police Commissioner, Owen Ellington and National Security Minister Peter Bunting toured sections of the St Catherine North Division on Wednesday.  They visited Gravel Heights, St Johns Road, Quarry Hill and De la Vega City.  The team which made its first stop in De La Vega city was swarmed by residents who poured out their concern and frustration saying they are being targeted by the police.