MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Police personnel in St Elizabeth have been commended by Minister of National Security Peter Bunting for being the leading parish in the reduction of violent crimes in Jamaica this year.

“I think that full commendation is due to the JCF team in St Elizabeth. The example in which a JCF member used his own personal vehicle in pursuit of praedial thieves and ended up losing it, demonstrates the level of commitment that makes St Elizabeth, this year, the leading division and parish in terms of reduction of violent crimes,” the minister said.

Bunting was speaking at the handing over of a pick-up by BMR Jamaica Wind Limited to the Enforcement team in St Elizabeth, to fight praedial larceny. The vehicle was handed over at the Malvern Police Station on August 20.

Statistics quoted by Bunting showed that murder was down by 27 per cent, shooting was down by 67 per cent, rape down by 55 per cent and aggravated assault down by 13 per cent.

“This shows that basically every category of violent crime, the parish has been leading the way this year across Jamaica. It’s not as if they are coming from a high base, because St Elizabeth was already one of the most peaceful parishes. However, where they have not done so well is in terms of the acquisitory crimes … such as praedial larceny, break ins and general larceny,” Bunting noted.

He said those who are committed and passionate about serving, protecting and reassuring the citizens of St Elizabeth must be commended and encouraged, adding that it is good to see them receiving a new vehicle to help them fight praedial larceny.

Bunting commended the leadership of BMR Jamaica Wind Limited for their generous gift of the new Toyota Hilux Pick-up.