St Andrew South cops intensify crime crackdown

Police in the St Andrew South Division are reporting a sharp increase in the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition this year. Superintendent Damion Manderson, head of the division, highlighted the significant progress made in tackling gun crimes compared to last year's figures.

"This week alone, we recovered five firearms, bringing the total to 109 for 2024, compared to just 55 in 2023. We've also seized 1,592 rounds of ammunition this year, a significant increase from 669 last year," Manderson said.

Saturday evening, officers recovered a firearm and ammunition after a motorcyclist, fleeing from police, discarded a suspicious object along the roadway. A search of the area led to the discovery of a bag containing a black Browning 9mm pistol with no visible serial number, two magazines, and 31 assorted rounds of ammunition. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. near Lyrics Corner, at the intersection of Penwood Road and Unity Drive in Waterhouse.

According to the latest Serious Crimes Report from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the St Andrew South Division has also seen a drop in murders, with 80 reported this year, down from 100 in 2023. However, shooting incidents remain high, with 84 cases this year compared to 92 last year.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night, police fatally shot a man in Seaview Gardens. Officers on patrol along Caribbean Sea Drive at around 10 p.m. encountered a man behaving suspiciously. According to police reports, the man pulled a firearm and opened fire on the patrol. Officers returned fire, killing him.

Superintendent Manderson emphasised the division's dedication to maintaining safety and reducing crime.

"We have been working assiduously with a vision in mind of bringing order, peace, and tranquillity to various communities." He also highlighted the collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, including community action groups and neighbourhood watch organisations.

"We're about partnering with our stakeholders to achieve crime reduction and safer communities," he said.

- T.T.