PORT MARIA, St Mary — Major crimes are down in St Mary but the police are concerned about migrating criminals believed to be behind the uptick in break-ins.

“Last year at this time, there were 45 reported cases and so far we have 11 reported which is a major decrease,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Joseph Foster told last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St Mary Municipal Corporation.

He was speaking about major crimes. Among them is a recent double murder in Highgate which is still being investigated. Cops say they have strong leads.

Highgate, as well as Islington, is also the community where there has been an increase in houses being burgled. Foster is urging residents to be vigilant as outsiders are preying on their communities. Particularly hard hit have been operators of gaming machines. His advice is for operators, typically owners of small shops, to invest in a tracking device that will aid in recovery of the stolen items and apprehension of the thieves.

During the meeting of the local authority, DSP Foster gave his commitment that he and his team will continue to make St Mary an attractive place to live and conduct business.