Manchester police mobilise specialised units to combat crime

Head of the Manchester Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan, has declared that the parish, especially the capital Mandeville, "is not a safe space for individuals coming here to partake in criminal activities".

His comments come amid growing concerns that scammers are relocating to the traditionally tranquil town, which has earned a reputation as an 'uptown' enclave in central Jamaica.

"They link up with locals, which compounds the problem," he said. "We are not taking this lightly." Statistics from the police reveal that, as of Saturday, September 7, Manchester recorded 37 murders so far in 2024, compared to 29 for the corresponding period last year.

"While crime overall is not on the rise in the Manchester division, we are seeing a disturbing spike in murders," he explained. "Our analysis has indicated that lottery scamming is a significant factor, with individuals involved in these illicit activities becoming targets of violence, often from people they know."

"These individuals are often enriched through scamming, which leads to jealousy and, ultimately, violence," he added.

To address the influx of unscrupulous persons entering the division, the Manchester police have mobilised specialised units, including the JCF Lottery Scamming Task Force and the Financial Investigations Division.

"We have been proactive in targeting known suspects," Duncan confirmed. "Just last week, we conducted several operations, seizing high-end vehicles and detaining individuals for questioning."

Among the strategies being employed is a focus on local car marts, which have been identified as potential venues for money laundering. While many car dealers operate legitimate businesses, Duncan warned that law enforcement will scrutinise any suspicious activity.

"We're aware that criminals may try to infiltrate these legitimate operations," he stated.