WESTERN BUREAU:

The escalating crime problem in western Jamaica, particularly the worrying trend of homicides in St. James, has raised concerns among residents, who are fearful of the criminals who continue to unleash their terror.

Representatives from the police high command, as well as the business and civic communities, will meet to discuss the problem and propose workable strategies to combat the situation at a Gleaner Editors' Forum in Montego Bay today.

Criminal gangs, the prevalence of illegal weapons and police corruption are some of the topics that will be discussed among the participants.

Hot spots

The police have been focusing their attention on the communities of Norwood, Bottom Pen, Salt Spring, Flankers and, in recent weeks, Granville, which are considered hot spots.

Some 169 persons have been killed in the parish since January, 30 more than the total figure for 2005.