‘Gangsters going after women who harbour criminals’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police yesterday reported that 28 women and seven children have been victims of gun attack in the western end of the island since the start of the year.
According to a release from the police’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), during the period, 15 of the women and six children were killed, while 13 women and a child were shot and injured in the area.
The police speculate that the attacks are due to women harbouring and enabling criminal elements in their homes and communities.
As such, members of the Area One Police Division are appealing to women to desist from the practice, which they say is proving detrimental to their lives and their children.
Area One comprises of four parishes – Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny.
The police believe that when women hide wanted people, individuals engaging in the illicit lottery scamming trade and those involved in gang-related activities, they and their children become likely victims in shootings.
Therefore, they are appealing to women in these communities to share information with them, so that perpetrators can be placed behind bars.
Additionally, the police said they should cease from accepting the proceeds of crime and start protecting themselves and their children.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of criminals or has information on suspicious activities in their community is being asked to contact the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch at 967-1389, Crime Stop at 311, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.