Police target Sandy Bay amid rising crime concerns
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Western Bureau:
With Sandy Bay in Hanover regularly appearing on the crime radar, Superintendent Andrew Nish says police will increase crime-fighting efforts in the town to restore order.
Speaking at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Hanover Municipal Corporation, Nish said Sandy Bay, one of the main townships in eastern Hanover, requires special intervention because of rising concerns about crime. He said the police intend to address this through increased attention.
“Sandy Bay is the area of greatest concern right now,” Nish told councillors. “Over the years, interpersonal disputes and other conflicts in that community have too often ended in violence.”
Nish said that, thanks to community intervention and the police’s strategic operations, incidents have not escalated to critical levels, and there is no need for public alarm. He noted that perceptions of crime can differ from the actual situation.
With the police working to restore Hanover to its status as Jamaica’s safest parish, he said no effort would be spared to expand the recent decline in major crimes.
“Major crimes are down 16 per cent compared with the same period last year,” said Nish, crediting the police in the parish for their relentless efforts to curb lawlessness.
He said the immediate priority is to address interpersonal disputes, resolve conflicts, and reduce the growing number of motor vehicle crashes.
With decreases in murders, robberies, and other major crimes, Nish said fear of crime is no longer overwhelming, allowing residents to operate with greater ease.
“Public life is continuing. People are still accessing services, order is being maintained, and residents are going about their lawful business without being consumed by the crime situation,” he said.
On the push for more responsible road use, Nish said traffic crashes and fatalities are lower than last year, owing to increased police vigilance.
“We have recorded five road fatalities so far, compared with nine at the same point last year,” said Nish. “We are encouraged by the progress, but we still have work to do to reach the results we want.”
With sustained policing in the parish, criminals from neighbouring St James and Westmoreland no longer see Hanover as a safe refuge.