Police target community

(CNS): Officers from the West Bay Police Station were pursuing the fight against crime in the heart of the community recently. During a week of targeted operations they were engaged in various activities from carrying out search warrants and roadblocks to conducting public presentations. Designed to both deter and detect criminal activity West Bay Police say they are not going to let up on local criminals.

 “This is our second week of activity designed to put pressure on those intent on committing crime,” said Area Commander, Chief Inspector Angelique Howell about the week long initiative between 22-28 September. “Although one of our main objectives was to target people involved in the illegal use and supply of drugs, we also used the week as an opportunity to make our presence felt on the roads.”

Police also held a public presentation at the John A Cumber Memorial Church Youth Group with around 25 young people of the church in attendance. The talk focused on the importance of road safety and obeying the traffic law. “This topic was selected due to the number of serious road collisions, some fatal, which involve young people,” explained Howell. “As the traffic law enforcement agency, we have a duty to not only enforce the law, but also to educate young people on the do’s and don’ts of road safety”.

Those in attendance were aged between ten and eighteen. West Bay police is committed to working with the community and has pledged that this will remain a priority over the coming months. “We have various plans in place for the final quarter of 2008including the continuation of these weekly crime crackdowns which focus on drug crime, traffic matters and those wanted in connection with offences,” said Howell added.

The area Commander said there were other plans for the last quarter include placing a renewed focus on domestic violence in partnership with the Family Support Unit, holding a district community meeting and working with other agencies, such as the National Roads Authority, to address community concerns. “We have achieved a great deal in recent times but there is still a lot we can do. We will be working hard to improve on areas of weakness and address challenges that have been identified. “

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain  anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.