THE POLICE High Command has instituted special measures to prevent possible widescale looting as the island prepares for Hurricane Ivan.

"We cannot tell you what we have done but we have put things in place," said Commissioner Lucius Thomas.

When Hurricane Gilbert hit the island on September 12, 1988, there was widespread looting during and after the hurricane.

DCP Thomas said the police would be working closely with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to assist in rescue operations throughout the island, if this becomes necessary.

PATROLS

Police patrols will also be on alert and reports are that a team from the Special Anti-Crime Task Force has been deployed to Montego Bay, St. James.

Senior Superintendent Donald Pusey and another team from the anti-crime unit were deployed to the old capital of Spanish Town, St. Catherine. In Central Kingston, Acting Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps and his team will be monitoring zones where motorists are frequently held up and robbed.

The lawmen have also made special arrangements to beef up staff in other areas across the island.

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