Police urge victims to report extortionists

FACED with difficulty in securing convictions against persons accused of extortion, the police today urged members of the public who are victims of extortion, or who have been approached by extortionists to report all incidents or approaches of extortion.

In a release to the media the cops urged victims of extortion to report their plight to the Operation Kingfish telephone line, 811.

“Trained police officers will answer your calls/reports of extortion when the Operation Kingfish 811 line is used. Persons using 811 to report any act of extortion are not required to give their names. Just give enough information for the police to start investigating and we will take it from there,” Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Operations Portfolio Glenmore Hinds said.

The call comes days after the police high command rubbished reports that hoodlums had begun to regroup in the commercial hub of downtown, Kingston and were plaguing vendors and businesses.

Extortion has thrived Downtown for years but the main players were forced to disperse after the May 24 incursion into Tivoli Gardens and the State of Emergency that has been extended by the Government.

“In addition to urging persons who are victims of extortion, or who have been approached by extortionists to use the facility of the secure Operation Kingfish telephone line, 811, we have also established an e-mail address (jcfantiextortion@gmail.com) to further help persons who want to share information with the police. Persons making use of our e-mail are not required to give their names, just the information,” Hinds said.