Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Police officers patrol the Hellshire beach in St. Catherine yesterday amid hundreds of persons who visited the popular amusement spot to enjoy themselves for the New Year. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THERE WAS a major reduction in the crimes committed in the St. Catherine North Police Division last year. The overall reduction, quantified at 18 per cent by the police, was achieved through improvements in intelligence gathering, increased patrols and greater community policing initiatives.
Divisional Detective Inspector Derrick Champagnie says that the success against major crimes such as murder was as a result of a concerted effort on the part of the police in the St. Catherine North Police division
During the period of January to December 2005, there were 225 murders in the division which is seven fewer than the murders committed during the corresponding period of 2004.
"After finding that crimes, such as murder was taking a toll, we started to implement more searches which led to the recovery of more guns and this has helped to put a damper on criminal activities," Detective Inspector Champagnie said.
During 2005, the police also recovered 84 illegal guns, an 18 per cent increase when compared with the year 2004 when 74 guns were recovered.
The police also made 2,185 arrests during 2005, compared to 1,897 in 2004.
SEVEN WANTED MEN
However, while Detective Inspector Champagnie is pleased with they reduction in major crimes, he is concerned about a group of "seven men who continue to give the police problems".
The men are Andrew Francis, a.k.a 'Andy', of Gordon Pen, St Catherine, and who is said to frequent Point Hill and Innswood; Donovan Dawson a.k.a 'Stafford' of Homestead, who is known to frequent St. Johns Road and Tivoli Gardens; 23-year-old Carvel Henry a.k.a 'Carvel' of Rivoli, who is known to frequent the Spanish Town bus terminus and the community of Lauriston; Michael Hinds a.k.a 'Soundboy' of 76 March Pen Road, who is known to frequent Central Village, Tivoli Gardens and May Pen; Ninel Williams a.k.a 'Nanie-boy' of Tredegar Park, Spanish Town St Catherine; 18-year-old Lance Black a.k.a 'Lance' of Tredegar Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine and Omar Morrison a.k.a 'Omar Davis' and 'Omar Fargothy' of 6 St Johns Road, who is known to frequent Tivoli Gardens and Homestead.
The inspector said that these men are wanted for questioning in connection with several cases of murder and shooting in the St Catherine North Police area.
"These men are very dangerous criminals and the public should be aware of this. As such, we are seeking the assistance of the public in getting them," Detective Inspector Champagnie said.
Persons with information can call 119, 984-9757, 984-2874 or Operation Kingfish.
