ASP calls on public to help get illegal guns off streets

Assistant Superin­tendent of Police (ASP) Clauston Francis is encouraging persons who have knowledge of the whereabouts of illegal firearms to give the information to the police.

“If you know someone who has one (a gun) and is involved in crime, we encourage persons to call the police.{{more}}

“The public, persons, have a civic responsibility to help protect themselves and their communities; so, by giving us the information, we can act and take the firearm off the streets, because that same firearm can hurt you or someone close to you and there are plenty firearms out there,” said Francis on Monday from his office at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

ASP Francis’ statement comes in the wake of businessman Ken Cho being attacked and shot twice at Long Wall, while he was making his way home to Cane Garden, accompanied by his wife, last Friday at about 7.30 p.m.

Francis described Cho’s assault “as very peculiar,” as the assailant threw a stone at Cho’s vehicle, causing him to stop, after which he was shot. Cho drove himself to the hospital after passing motorists refused to help.

“He did not know what was happening, so he stopped and he also has a licensed firearm and he fired into the air to scare the assailant and it worked, but I want persons to remember that if you are in need of assistance, the first thing you do is call the police,” stressed ASP Francis, who said that while Cho managed to drive himself to the hospital and it may have been the right thing to do at that point, persons can always call the police at 457-1211 for help in situations like those.

“It may have been the right thing to get off the scene, but we always advise citizens to call the police at all times. Call 457-1211 and ask for CID or tell the operator and the operator will contact the police,” said the ASP.

He added, “A lot of firearms are on the streets and we are doing our best to see how much of these firearms we can remove from the streets. Persons can bring illegal firearms to the police and it is unlikely that they will be charged.”

The ASP said that Operation TIFOS (Taking Illegal Firearms of the Streets) is currently being carried out by the police.

Giving advice about how to be safe when travelling at night, the ASP said that it is best to always have company and to try one’s best to avoid dark areas.

“When travelling late at night, travel with others, because if something happens and you are hurt, you can get assistance from that person and also travelling in groups might deter attackers,” said Francis, who is also encouraging business persons to desist from carrying around large sums of money on their person or in their vehicle.

He noted also that avoiding ‘hot spots’ like Paul’s Avenue, Rose Place, Ottley Hall and Edinboro late at night is always a good idea.

Francis also encouraged the installation of cameras at business places and homes.

“To install cameras, it might be expensive, but the benefits outweigh the cost, because when there are cameras, persons would be reluctant to break into your building or private house. If you can afford to fence your property, that goes a long way also and burglar bars,” said the ASP.

The veteran police officer is also encouraging neighbours to look out for one another.

“Neighbourhood watch is a good idea, or if you’re going away, you can always tell your neighbour that you are going out and when you will be back,” said Francis.

Other safety measures include proper lighting and electronic security systems. (LC)