Hanover police call for citizens' support

WESTERN BUREAU:The Hanover police say their anti-crime strategies are working despite recent acts of violence within its borders. They are appealing to residents to be part of its communication network.

"We have an excellent relationship with our citizens, who continue to help us police their communities," said Sergeant Edmond Cowan of the Community Safety and Security Unit in the parish. "This is supported by various other types of operations by our teams that have been reaping success."

He added: "This relationship must continue for us to be able to curtail the recent incidents that have taken place within our borders because our residents must have a safe environment to live in."

Named among the parishes most affected by criminal violence associated with the illicit lottery scam, the Hanover police are renowned for their strong community-based programmes.

Last month, the four-member Hanover Community Safety and Security Unit conducted 272 community activities, and is responsible for more than 2,000 such events year to date.

The parish has some 20 neighbourhood watch groups and a similar number of police youth clubs.

While admitting that a few of these groups are becoming dormant, Cowan, who is also the tourism liaison officer for the parish, believes they are integral to reducing and maintaining a low crime rate.

NOT THE NORM

Mashario Bisasor, parish manager of the Hanover Social Development Commission (SDC) is refusing to accept the uncomplimentary label that the usually quiet parish has received.

"There is evidence of crimes in the parish that are linked to the lotto scamming, and it is not the norm for Hanover to have this kind of crime, and it can only be because of its location between St James and Westmoreland," said Bisasor.

"So what we can surmise is that persons are migrating to the parish to commit these crimes."

The SDC officer also suggested that the "harsh economic times and other economic factors" were to be blamed for an escalation in crime in the parish.

But Cowan believes being proactive is key to the recent incidents not having had a negative impact.