CLARENDON, Jamaica— Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Allen has reiterated an appeal to businesspeople and citizens to be vigilant during the Christmas season.

Allen, who is in charge of the police’s Area Three comprising Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth, stressed the need for people to be cautious.

“To all business persons we are reminding everyone that this is the Yuletide Season, so whether a business person or an individual going about their own personal shopping engaging with ATM machine or doing large withdrawal of cash we want for you to be extremely alert,” he told journalists in response to a question at the scene of an armed robbery turned shootout in Spalding on Sunday.

Four alleged gunmen were apprehended by the police after an over two-hour standoff and barricading at a supermarket. A policeman was also shot and wounded in the incident.

ACP Allen said the police have increased their numbers on the streets.

“This situation though highlights the fact that, as we have promised, we will be out here in our numbers in all shapes and form to offer that needed protection to the public, but at the same time we are encouraging all business operators to be very vigilant in terms of how they operate [and] to engage with local officers when you have large cash to be transferred or to be removed to a particular area, we are ready to give that sort of support,” he said.

He also praised the police team that responded to the incident in Spalding.

“It is high commendation to the men they are naturally putting in play the training that they have received and continue to receive from our various tactical departments,” he said.

“We just want people to understand that when we speak about the JCF and our commitment to law, order and security we mean what we say and we are going to ensure that we give of our utmost best to protect the public,” he added.

Four firearms including an AK-47 were seized following the incident.

— Kasey Williams