Keisha Shakespeare- Blackmore, Staff Reporter
THE GRANTS Pen police claim that there has been a 100 per cent reduction in serious crime in the area since last November.
Inspector Michael Simpson, of the Grants Pen Policing and Service Centre, said on Wednesday that the reduction is due to increased police presence since the opening of the facility, as well as effective community policing in the area.
"There has not been a single murder in the community for the past six months since the inception of the policing centre," Inspector Simpson told journalists during the press launch for the Shakti Mind Body Fitness Centre at Bedford Avenue, St. Andrew.
He said that when the police centre first opened, there were four police officers that carried out bicycle patrols in the area. He added that that number has however been reduced to two officers. He said the area, which was once labelled a hotbed of criminal activity, has now been transformed into an area of safety.
"Businesses that were closed down are being reopened and new businesses are coming on board too," Inspector Simpson claimed. "Delivery trucks are delivering goods unescorted and vending at the four roads has expanded."
Inspector Simpson said his men are now kept busy monitoring traffic flow through the community as commuters who avoided driving through Grants Pen because of fear for their safety are now utilising that road. In addition, he said there has also been an improvement in the relationship between the citizens and the police. According to Inspector Simpson, there have been fewer confrontations and citizens are reporting their problems.
He also said citizens who had stopped attending social events due to the frequent flare-up of violence are now venturing out. He further noted that the paintings of 'dons' are being replaced by signs depicting the community and police work.
