‘Dip’ in gun-related crimes is reflective of COP’s policies: Caesar

The head of the Criminal Investigations Department of the police force is of the view that the dip in gun-related crimes for 2010 is reflective of some of the policies and programmes implemented by Police Commissioner Keith Miller.{{more}}

In an interview on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) WIllisford Caesar said gun crimes have fallen in the past year compared to the past two years.

In 2010, seven persons died from gun-related crimes compared to 15 in 2008 and six in 2009. “This is so because Commissioner Miller started programs in August 2009 in the “hotspot” areas to help reduce the occurrences of crime, and it has been working,” Caesar said.

He said because of programmes like the Pan Against Crime initiative, over 12 guns were brought in voluntarily by members of the public, especially from the communities of Edinboro, Ottley Hall and Redemption Sharpes.

These were three of the communities on which focus was placed to help curb the tide of violence that was rampant in those communities.

Caesar noted that most of the murders between 2007-2008 were as a result of gun-related crimes, but those figures have since dropped significantly.

Another contributing factor Caesar noted was the beefed up police presence in various communities, regular stop and search operations and work with community groups.

Even though the year is only into its 7th day, Caesar already has plans in the pipeline for the public. “We plan on running more crime prevention showcases all over, especially on the Leeward end and Central part of the country,” he said.

He also said the police will continue stop and search operations and mobile patrols in communities.

“We pledge to continue to serve the public in the most professional manner and make St Vincent and the Grenadines a more pleasant and peaceful place,” he asserted.

Caesar thanked the general public for their cooperation throughout 2010 and said he is looking forward to a better relationship with Vincentians in 2011.(KW)