ST JAMES, Jamaica – The police say since the start of this week, 12 lives have been snuffed out by “ruthless criminals” in several incidents in St James, including a triple murder and two double murders, which were gang-related.

The police high command on Saturday came out condemning the high incidence of gang-related murders in the police division.

The latest incident, the police say, involved 36-year-old Monique Watson of Rose Heights. She was shot dead by a gunman who reportedly walked into her hairdressing parlour and shot her at point-blank range.

The high command said these incidents, “stemming from inter gang feuds and family conflicts, epitomise callous disregard for human life and the propensity of criminal elements to hunt down citizens – children, the elderly and women – murdering them in the broad view of the public”.

The police say this is a feature of local criminals, who are relentlessly claiming revenge on their targets and the family members of their targets who they often kill in their stead.

“The killings dictate the kind of violence associated with that of organised criminal gangs and their criminal pursuits,” a release from the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) said. “They will kill innocent persons who they know or believe to be relatives or associates of their targets.”

The Police are therefore urging residents who suspect family members or associates to be involved in gangs or affiliated with criminals in any way, to report, in confidence, to the police by calling Crime Stop at 311, 811 or 119.

Head of Area One, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Warren Clarke in his appeal said, “Share with us any information you may have about family conflicts and/or disputes, gang violence or if you witnessed a crime, so it can be dealt with by the police within the ambit of the law.

“Do not take the law in your own hands”, ACP Clarke said.

He added that the police have a Proactive Violence Intervention Strategy in place that has worked for those ready to embrace peace and security.

“We are ready and willing to assist those involved with a safe exit strategy from gang membership or criminal involvement; it has worked for others, it can work for you”, said ACP Clarke.