ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica— Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Department, delivered positive news during the handover ceremony of a housing unit under the New Social Housing Program (NSHP) at Donegal in St Elizabeth. He shared that major crimes across the parish have decreased by an impressive 32 percent.
Providing a breakdown of the crime statistics on Friday, July 19, 2024, Superintendent Minto highlighted that shootings have decreased by 12 percent, robberies are down 27 percent, while aggravated assaults and break-ins decreased by 33 percent and 52 percent, respectively.
While acknowledging four more murders and unchanged rape cases compared to the same period last year, Superintendent Minto emphasized the positive trend in police enforcement and public safety. He stressed that ongoing police operational activities across the parish continue to yield promising results.
Despite the increase in murders, Superintendent Minto attributed the overall reduction in major criminal activities to the dedicated efforts of the police force, also highlighting improvements in road safety. Fatal vehicle collisions have decreased from 21 to 15, with fatalities dropping from 23 to 17 compared to last year, underscoring the impact of enhanced operational activities throughout the parish.
Additionally, the division has intensified its traffic law-enforcement efforts, with the number of traffic tickets issued rising from 6,202 to 21,065, showcasing a significant improvement in this area as well.
Jamaican Police Seize Over $5 Million in Cash in St. Mary Anti-Narcotics Operation.
The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has announced a major success, revealing the seizure of over $5 million in cash during an anti-narcotics operation in St. Mary.
Superintendent Sam Blake, head of the division, highlighted the authorities’ success in seizing the cash as a result of an intensive investigation into illicit activities in a specific area of St. Mary in June 2024.
Emphasizing the intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and related crimes across the island, Superintendent Blake expressed the division’s commitment to enhancing its capacity to effectively fulfill its mission. Furthermore, he pledged continued collaboration with local, regional, and international partners to maximize the impact on those involved in narcotics and firearms trade for personal gain.
Investigation Launched into Tragic Murder in St Catherine South Division.
The Portmore police in the St Catherine South division have initiated an inquiry into the tragic murder of a 31-year-old man on Sunday night, July 21, 2024.
The deceased has been identified as Nathaniel Watt of Two West, Greater Portmore, St Catherine.
Reportedly, the grim incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. while Watt was at home, when a gunman fatally shot him.
Upon response, the police found Watt with gunshot wounds, and unfortunately, hospital officials later pronounced him deceased.