ST JAMES, Jamaica — Acting area officer for the Area One police division, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Othneal Dobson has cautioned criminals to desist from unlawful behaviour, stressing that the police are armed with strong intelligence and the resolve to pursue offenders wherever they operate.

He issued the warning as he outlined heightened security measures for the holiday season to the media on Tuesday.

The Area One police division covers the four western parishes of Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland.

“We are saying to the criminal elements, we’re out in numbers. We know you, our intelligence is pointing to the major perpetrators, and we have impacted significantly, especially in downtown Montego Bay and other town centres, and we are out, and we will prevent whatever activity you want, you want to perpetuate during this period on places,” SSP Dobson warned.

“I’m urging you to be lawful citizens and desist from your criminal activities, because we know you and we’ll pursue you wherever you go,” he added.

The senior cop reported that Area One has recorded a significant decline in major crimes, describing the current figures as the best the division has seen in nearly two decades.

“Overall, the Area is experiencing a 57 per cent reduction in murders, similar numbers in shootings and all our major crimes. It’s the lowest number the Area has experienced in almost 20- odd years. We have recorded 123 murders since the start of the year. That’s 167 murders less than last year. So the Area is relatively safe,” SSP Dobson said.

Against that backdrop, he said the police will be ramping up their presence throughout the holiday period, with a clear focus on visibility and rapid response across all four parishes.

“For our Yuletide plans we will be increasing our presence on the ground, right throughout all four parishes in Area One. We have scaled back on some of our administrative duties to have more boots on the ground, so you will be seeing more police officers out in the town centers, out on the roads and the corridors, providing that enhanced security presence for us all,” he stated.

SSP Dobson also pointed to support from other law enforcement units and security partners, noting that the gains in crime reduction have been the result of coordinated efforts.

“We also have additional resources in the form of other formations, branches coming out of Kingston. The Agricultural Protection Branch that deals with praedial larceny and other issues, the Specialised Operations given us additional strength in some of our areas, our BOPD (Beat Officer Patrol Division) and our military counterparts, all of them have played significant role in our reduction last year, and they continue, especially during this period,” he said.

“So you will see increased police presence right across, especially during this period where we are post Melissa,” Dobson added.

Turning his attention to the business community, the senior superintendent urged operators to take practical steps to protect themselves during what is traditionally a period of increased cash flow.

“I’ll say to the business community, right across all four divisions, we know it’s a period of increased cash flow. Where possible utilise registered couriers. It’s one of the easiest way for you to safeguard your money,” he advised.

He further encouraged businesses to limit the amount of cash on hand and to work closely with the police where assistance is needed.

“If there are incidents or situations where the police is needed, you can contact the police and we will see what assistance we can give you. But as much as possible, if you can limit the amount of cash flow and use the registered couriers, it will assist you. But we will be out in our numbers and we are there to assist,” Dobson said.

He also appealed to business operators and citizens to remain vigilant and share information with the police.

“I’m asking also the business person, any suspicious activities, individuals that you see to communicate with the police that we can factor those into our policing plan as we try to make the era safer for you throughout this period,” he said.