Beware! - Murder rate for women up 30% - Shields warns Jamaicans to look out for their own safety
Published: Friday | October 24, 2008
Shields
Skyrocketing crimes against women have stirred the police to warn them to take greater pre-cautions, particularly urging them not to patronise unlicensed taxis.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields told The Gleaner yesterday the murder of women has gone up 30 per cent over last year.
According to Shields, criminals posing as taxi operators have been responsible for some of the major crimes against women and children, including murder.
"If I could have my way, I would love the police to give a 100 per cent focus on illegal taxis particularly and the registration of licensed cabs," he said.
Murder toll
Latest police statistics show that the murder toll galloped by another 136 last month, pushing the tally to 1,241 at the end of September.
The overall murder tally has also increased by 28 per cent from January to September this year compared with the similar period last year.
The figures for October would take the total beyond 1,300.
Shields said the Police High Command was also greatly concerned about the involvement of cops in the the operation of illegal taxis.
"I think there is complete anarchy among taxi drivers. Part of the reason is that I know that many police officers own and operate taxis and buses and I think that is totally unacceptable," he added.
He said the police have been stepping up their efforts in this respect, but encouraged com-muters to look out for their own safety.
Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Violence Prevention Alliance, Professor Barry Chevannes, also advised that people be more careful.
He especially appealed for parents to be vigilant in respect of their children.
He adds that the public should also make it its duty to report suspicious activities that may lead compromise the saftey of children.
Chevannes: The public should also make it its duty to report suspicious activities.
Safety Tips
Travel in groups where possible and plan modes of travel before going out.
Avoid going to ATM late at nights.
When vehicles are left unattended, ensure that windows are wound up, that doors are locked and that valuables are not left inside.
Limit the use of mobile phones while driving or walking so that you are more alert.
| Offences | Years (September) | ||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |
| Murder | 136 | 134 | 103 |
| Shooting | 124 | 132 | 103 |
| Rape | 64 | 32 | 63 |
| Carnal abuse | 21 | 12 | 32 |
| Robbery | 237 | 99 | 9 |
| Break-in | 207 | 115 | 77 |
| Larceny | 33 | 5 | 7 |
Source: Constabulary Communication Network
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