LITTLE LONDON, Westmoreland – While some sections of western Jamaica once again grapple with an upsurge in crime, relieved members of Westmoreland’s business community are welcoming a 32.2 per cent reduction in all major categories of crime within their parish up to May 15 of this year.

“It will certainly impact commerce because persons will feel more comfortable… in the shopping district — whether in Little London or Savanna-la-Mar,” vice-president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce Cosmond Jackson told Jamaica Observer.

According to police data, murders are down 35 per cent year-on-year, shootings are down 25 per cent, rape — 73.3 per cent, robberies — 6.7 per cent and break-ins — 25 per cent.

Zone four commander for Little London and Negril Deputy Superintendent of Police Shaunjaye Mitchell said the reduction can be attributed to police activity across the division. He pointed to their use of technology, an increase in road policing activities, and a surge in operations carried out by the police.

“We have a team that is quite vigilant. The team is motivated to do the job and, of course, get the results,” stated DSP Mitchell who also commended residents for the role they have played.

“The citizens have been playing a significant part in terms of sharing information and assisting the police in carrying out their duties,” he said.

The goal, the lawman explained, is to ensure that law-abiding people feel safe in Westmoreland and criminals recognise that they will not find safe haven within the parish.

“Generally speaking, we have had a good amount of success so far this year and we are hoping to continue with our robust road policing activities,” stated DSP Mitchell.

He promised that there will be an uptick in activities as the police realign resources to ensure that gains already realised are maintained.

Mitchell, who was recently assigned to Westmoreland, lauded the present commanding officer for the parish, Senior Superintendent Wayne Josephs, who took office early last year and has been very supportive of the lawmen on the ground.

The chamber’s Jackson also had high praise for SSP Josephs and his team.

“We are pleased with the work that the administration is doing in terms of SSP Wayne Josephs, his deputy [Senior] Superintendent [Adrian] Hamilton and their teams. The chamber is willing and able to continue to support them in their endeavours to rid the space of crime and violence,” stated Jackson.

The Little London area of Westmoreland has also seen a 50 per cent reduction in murders when compared to the same period last year. DSP Mitchell thinks this has a lot to do with is the numerous activities taking place in the area including business and community walk-throughs and targeted operations from the men and women of the force who continue to “work well beyond work hours to deliver the services to the citizens”.