In light of the recent attacks by gunmen on security company Beryllium Limited, the St Ann police have thrown their support behind the financial and security sectors.

In the space of less than a month two attacks were carried out on employees of Beryllium, both of which took place in Portmore, St Catherine.

In the latest incident on March 19, four security guards were shot and wounded along with a civilian.

READ: SHOWDOWN AT HIGH NOON – Another Beryllium team attacked during ATM servicing in Portmore

In an effort to ward off potential copy cats, head of the St Ann police Senior Superintendent of Police Dwight Powell issued a stern warning to those who might be considering the act.

“Those who may feel that we may need to follow a copy cats situation it will be not accepted in this parish in St Ann and so as long as we are here leading the charge we are saying to our security departments we are here for you we are here to support you and we appreciate the work that you continue to provide within this nation,” he said.

Speaking to an audience of members from the financial sector along with the representatives of the security sector, the police chief gave his assurance that the police will be working to ensure safety.

“And so we saw exactly what happened in the banking sector after those incidents in St Catherine and we are saying that if it is not curtailed, if we have these kind of elements rogue elements operating then we will be in for some issue so together we will consolidate on out effort to ensure that the public the banking sector is protected,” he promised.

He underscored that the division has taken note of the incidents and is aware of the fear that is among residents.

READ:‘Breakthrough imminent’ in Beryllium robbery case, says cop

He pointed out that measures such as the quick response unit that has been implemented to curtail crime in the parish will be strengthened.

“So we were having robberies that were perpetuated by persons operating on motorcycles last year, so we have placed some police on motorcycles and I’m going to say that we are badder than them, we are more equipped than them and if confronted in terms of crime confrontations then we will do whatever training tells us to do, in terms of protecting ourselves and the law abiding citizens so I’m not gonna talk with water in mouth with that, I will give my people the full backing as long as we are operating in the ambit of the law, in terms of defending ourselves and protecting our citizens in this parish,” he said.

For his part President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce Dr Ransford Davidson said stakeholder meetings are very vital noting the impact that crime has on the business sector.

He commended the St Ann police for their efforts in fighting against crime in the parish.

“Just also want to take the time out to commend the leadership of the JCF particularly in St Ann for their robustness and efforts in terms of strengthening security measures in the area…and so the business community we are very pleased with respect to those increased resources,” he said.