KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) have launched a robust, coordinated response to an increasing wave of stone-throwing and other acts of vandalism against public buses in sections of Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

During a high-level meeting held on Saturday, July 19, the Police High Command and the leadership of the JUTC addressed the national security and public safety concerns arising from the recent attacks.

JUTC Managing Director Owen Ellington reported that the attacks are impacting the newer buses, particularly along sections such as Washington Boulevard between Headley Avenue and Drewsland.

He noted a concerning pattern of interference believed to involve illegal and unscrupulous individuals, often linked to illegal taxi operators and some public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators, who are suspected of participating in these incidents.

“We believe there are coordinated efforts aimed at disrupting the people’s service, and we are working closely with the JCF to ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Ellington stated.

He also confirmed new incidents in the Rockfort area as recent as July 18 and reiterated that all JUTC buses are equipped with surveillance technology to aid investigations.

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as deliberate and dangerous acts, placing the public at risk.

“These are not isolated acts of mischief; they represent a form of criminality that undermines safety and security. The buses are public assets owned by the people of Jamaica; any effort to undermine their operation is an attack on our citizens,” Dr Blake said.

Meanwhile, Warren Clarke, deputy commissioner of police in charge of strategic operations, provided an update on the activation of a special joint JCF/JUTC response in the circumstances, including:

— Heightened mobile and static points along vulnerable routes, especially in known hotspots;

— Strategic covert deployments to detect and apprehend perpetrators in real time;

— Monthly joint JCF/JUTC reviews to ensure ongoing effectiveness and strategic refinement;

— Technical collaboration with public and private stakeholders to support identification, evidence gathering and prosecution; and

— Continuing to prioritise transportation safety, engaging rapid response protocols with proactive monitoring systems that are already in place, supported by enhanced community policing efforts in affected areas.

The JCF and JUTC are appealing to all citizens to play their part in protecting the integrity of Jamaica’s transport system. They are being urged to report all incidents of stone-throwing, vandalism and suspicious behaviour immediately by calling the police 119 emergency number or report offenders anonymously to Crime Stop at 311.