WESTERN BUREAU — Amid growing concerns that robbery and other crimes are on the increase in Falmouth and surrounding communities, the police have increased their patrols and stepped up a number of other security measures in the area.

And today they will be meeting at the Falmouth Town Hall at 6:00 pm with community members to discuss the problem. The meeting is also expected to update the residents on measures taken by the police to combat crime.

“We want them to attend the meeting because the citizen is the major link with us. We want them to come and tell us their views and how we can assist so that we can deliver the service they want…” Inspector Nigel Hart, who has responsibility for crime in Trelawny, told the Observer.

“We would really like people to come out and give us a true reflection of what they see happening around the place.”

The police’s effort comes even as residents have expressed fear about the rising crime levels in the town.

On Tuesday night, the proprietor of the T & H Supermarket along Duke Street was robbed at gunpoint of $10,000, the latest in a spate of robberies in the area over the past two to three weeks.

According to statistics provided by the police, there were six robberies in Falmouth in the first 23 days of the year, as compared to one during the same period last year.

The police said that up to January 23 this year there has been more than a 100 per cent increase in “crimes in general”, when 15 incidents were reported, compared to six for the same period last year.

And according to Member of Parliament for North Trelawny, Wendell Stewart, the rising crime rate and the fear it has sparked, has resulted in some businesses installing additional security measures and closing their doors earlier than usual.

Residents have also begun to “close their doors” earlier and only a few young men and women are seen sitting along street corners after 9:00 at night.

In response, the police have deployed a special squad from the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in and around the town on a daily basis. They have also beefed up their spot checks on the roads and have urged business owners and residents to be prudent and “proactive” in ensuring their personal security.

The MP has endorsed the police’s initiative and has asked that residents lend their support to them.

“They have given us the (assurance) that they will be doing all they can to bring calm to the minds of the people by patrolling and being more visible. They have also arranged for a public forum … and they are inviting people to come out and talk to them and ask them questions to deal with the whole thing,” Stewart told the Observer.

“I am a bit comforted to know that they were receptive to what we said and they have put measures in place to correct the situation, which is starting to bear fruit … and they are willing to work with us …”

The MP had met last week with senior officers at the Falmouth police, which also involved members of the Trelawny Chamber of Commerce and Custos Roy Barrett.

But even as Stewart lauded the police effort, he has, too, implored residents to take all necessary security measures to ensure their personal safety.

“What we need them to do is exercise good judgement and practice safe methods in entering and leaving their homes … Make sure your windows are bolted and if you see any suspicious characters, don’t be afraid to seek assistance from your neighbour. Let your neighbour know when you are not around and look out for your neighbour’s place because we are living in a violent situation,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the police on Monday night recovered a white Nissan that was stolen from a Daniel Town resident.

The car was stolen at about 8:45 pm by two men armed with a knife and what appeared to have been a gun.

The police were alerted and gave chase shortly after they spotted the car along Market Street in the town. The men abandoned the car after they discovered the police were chasing them.

In addition, the police said they have seized a car they believe may have been involved in one or more robberies and it has been dusted for forensic evidence.