Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Shields and Ellington

"We understand your concern," were the words of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in response to reports of an increase in attacks against the nation's women and children.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, said yesterday that the JCF was not downplaying the situation but added that, in fact, abductions were on the decline.

Ellington's comments came during a press conference convened at the Police Commissioner's Office, Old Hope Road, St Andrew, on Thursday.

"We have responded to every report," said Ellington.

"We are investigating every one of them thoroughly," he added.

The press conference was called just hours after two women were abducted and raped in the parish on Thursday night.

taken at restaurant

The women, reportedly aged 16 and 20, were abducted at a fast-food restaurant in Liguanea and taken to Jacks Hill where they were raped.

More than 676 women have been raped since January.

Within recent weeks, heightened by the abduction and murder of an 11-year-old girl, Ananda Dean, fear has gripped many schoolgirls and women. Stories of other abductions and rapes have also swept the island. However, Ellington said many were found to be false.

"We are aware of the situation, our assessments, our reports and the work we have done indicate to us that the situation is being blown out of proportion," he said.

Compared to 2007, there have been 57 cases of abduction since January. Some 125 abductions occurred last year.

no complacency

Additionally, Deputy Commis-sioner of Police Mark Shields told The Gleaner that reports have not indicated that there was an increase in the number of abduction within recent weeks.

"There is no complacency on my part, what I'm just trying to do is to say to everyone, to reassure them, that there isn't some huge spike," he added.

At the same time, investigation of these reports has put a strain on the short-staffed JCF.

Trevor MacMillan, national security minister, said the Government was being made to make the nation's women feel safer.

"I wish to make it clear that we in the Ministry of National Security and, by extension, all the law-enforcement authorities, are not taking this matter lightly," MacMillan said.

allow calm to prevail

The security minister implored citizens to allow calm to prevail as irresponsible actions could lead to wide-scale panic, potentially jeopardising the strategies being pursued.

In the meantime, the JCF said it was getting more valuable information about the abduction of 14-year-old Jhaneel Goulbourne.

On Tuesday, Constable Rushon Hamilton was charged with carnal abuse, indecent assault and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Shields said there was another round of questioning yesterday and a second police constable who is of interest was interviewed.

Goulbourne was taken from the gate of her house on Mortello Drive in Harbour View, St Andrew, last month.

Safety measures

Travel in groups

Only take registered taxis

Note registration number of taxis taken and text the number to a friend

Tell a friend or family member of your whereabouts and ask them to gauge an appropriate time for your arrival.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Strategy employed by police

Intensified patrol around schools

Increased visibility in populated areas

Covert policing in particular areas

Fully mobilised school safety officers

For assistance call

Crime stop 311

Operation Kingfish 811

Police call centre 119